How Soon Should I Contact an Attorney after a Truck Wreck?

If you were injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, it may be in your best interests to contact an attorney as soon as possible. While it might be clear that the truck driver was responsible for causing the wreck, you could still encounter disputes and other complications throughout proceedings. Fortunately, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help guide you through this process, providing tenacious representation during settlement negotiations, litigation, and trial. 

Let’s take a look at a few reasons you should seek representation as soon as possible after a wreck:  

To Avoid Making Serious Mistakes 

When you hire a personal injury attorney to oversee your claim, he or she can handle the logistics of your case so you can attend to other matters. Not only will this allow you to focus on the hard work of healing, but passing the reins to a lawyer could also help you avoid critical errors that might otherwise hurt your claim.  

For instance, your attorney can handle correspondence with the insurer so you don’t have to worry about accidentally saying something that could negatively impact the outcome of your case. Alternatively, a skilled truck wreck lawyer can help guide you through proceedings, explaining how to avoid common missteps and oversights that could lead to disputes. 

To Gather Time-Sensitive Evidence 

In order to obtain fair compensation for your damages, you’ll need strong evidence to support your claim. Much of the important evidence in a truck wreck case may be time-sensitive. For instance, road markings will fade within days, eyewitnesses can forget what they saw, and surveillance camera footage is routinely deleted.  

As such, if you wait too long before hiring an attorney, some of the evidence may no longer be available. While a resourceful lawyer might still be able to build a convincing case under these circumstances, contacting an attorney sooner could help improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.  

To Track Your Damages 

A serious wreck can lead to many different types of losses, from medical expenses and repair bills to lost wages and replacement services. As you will need to provide proof of the damages you incurred, you should begin tracking these costs diligently from day one. A personal injury attorney can help you keep tabs on your damages and—by assessing the available evidence and consulting with expert witnesses if necessary—estimate fair compensation for what you’ve lost. 

Discuss Your Personal Injury Claim with a California Truck Accident Attorney 

If you suffered a serious injury in a collision involving an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses by filing a personal injury claim against the driver and their employer. At HPIL, our truck accident attorneys can assist with all aspects of your case, from investigating the wreck and gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages, to representing you throughout proceedings. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our Online Contact Form to pencil in a free case review.