Dana Point Truck Accident Attorneys

Collisions involving trucks are among the deadliest accidents on our roads. Due to their immense size and incredible weight, commercial trucks can cause untold destruction when they collide with smaller vehicles. If you were injured in a collision, our Dana Point truck accident attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation for the damages you’ve sustained. We pride ourselves in providing tenacious representation to clients in their time of need. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to discuss your claim with one of our lawyers.

What Should I Do After Suffering a Serious Injury in a Truck Accident?

One minute you’re going about your day, the next you’re in unbearable pain. In the blink of an eye, a road accident can change your life forever. Instead of returning to your normal routines, you’ll be taking the first steps on the road to recovery; a painful journey that can take its toll on both your finances and emotional well-being. Staying calm during these testing times is difficult, but if you’re planning to file a truck accident claim you need to be careful, calculated, and compliant. If you’re caught making mistakes, you may be handing opposing parties ammunition to dispute your claim. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. we can help guide you through the complex claims process and oversee the logistics of your case. Morning and night, after hours and on weekends, we will make ourselves available to answer your questions and help you navigate through this challenging chapter of your life. Below are a few ways you can protect your claim in the wake of a serious accident:

• Seek Medical Treatment: If your injuries appear minor, you may think visiting the doctor is a waste of time. However, regardless of the severity of your condition, you should always get a diagnosis as soon as possible after the accident. Many serious conditions may present with minor or latent symptoms—at least initially. Left unchecked, your injuries could worsen, leading to additional complications and added medical expenses. Skipping treatment may also lead to disputes when you file your claim. As a plaintiff in a personal injury case, you have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages. One important part of this duty is seeking medical treatment in a timely manner. If an opposing party discovers that you delayed this diagnosis—or skipped the medical assessment entirely—you may face disputes over failure to mitigate damages.

• Gather Evidence at the Scene: While your attorney will conduct his or her own investigation, you can still assist them in constructing your case by collecting evidence immediately after the accident. For instance, if there were eyewitnesses, you should note down their names and contact details to share with your attorney during your initial consultation. Also, it may be useful to take pictures of your injuries and damage to your vehicle, check to see if there are any surveillance cameras nearby, and write down your account of how the accident occurred.

• Contact Authorities: When police officers respond to a road accident, it’s protocol to compile an official report. This document can include information about the parties involved, the injuries each party sustained, the extent of any property damage, and the officer’s observations regarding who or what may have caused the accident. Not only will the insurance company want to see this document, but your lawyer might also use the official accident report as a jumping-off point for their investigation.

How Much Might My Claim Be Worth?

While you may have many questions after an accident, one that is likely at the top of your mind is, “How much is my case worth?”. In this uncertain chapter of your life, it’s an important question. After all, your financial future is likely hinging on the outcome of your claim. Unfortunately, no attorney can ever guarantee a specific outcome in a case. What we can do is help evaluate the circumstances of your case and estimate the value of the damages you incurred. Below are a few factors our personal injury attorneys may take into consideration:

• Degree of Liability: There are some scenarios where one party is entirely at fault for your damages. There are others where multiple parties can share the blame. You, too, could be held partially liable for your damages. For example, if it emerges that you played a role in causing the accident, it’s likely your financial award will be reduced. Alternatively, if you did not take sufficient steps to mitigate your damages—such as following your doctor’s instructions and attending follow-ups—you may face disputes that could result in a reduced settlement or verdict.

• Extent of Your Injuries: Even relatively minor conditions can lead to exorbitant medical bills. Catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities can burden you with a lifetime of health care costs. As such, the more serious your injuries, the more you will stand to gain in the form of damages.

• Pain and Suffering: If you experienced high levels of pain or discomfort in the wake of the accident, you have a right to seek compensation for the psychological impacts of your injuries. These sensations can make it difficult to live life to the fullest by engaging in the same activities you used to enjoy before the accident. Besides pain and suffering, claimants in a personal injury case can also seek damages for emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, humiliation, and loss of consortium.

• Available Insurance Policies: Is the defendant insured? Do you carry any coverage that might reimburse you for your losses? If the at-fault party does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you may need to dip into your own policies to foot the bill. An attorney can help assess the available coverage and discuss your options for pursuing damages.

• Lost Earnings: Did your injuries keep you from working? Is it unlikely that you will be able to return to your job in the foreseeable future? If you answered “yes” to either or both of these questions, the value of lost wages and/or diminished earning capacity may be included in the potential recovery.

Speak to a Dana Point Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you were hurt in an accident involving a truck, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Cases involving commercial trucking companies can get incredibly complicated. As such, it helps to have someone in your corner who has an in-depth understanding of proceedings, case law, and statute that may be relevant to your case. Our attorneys have handled many truck accident claims, and can assist you by providing guidance, support, and representation at every stage of proceedings. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or use our Contact Form to connect with a member of our legal team.