Accidents involving commercial trucks or tractor-trailers often cause more severe injuries than crashes involving passenger vehicles. Their weight and size increase the chances of serious harm or fatality.
Contact Schmidt Kramer’s Harrisburg truck accident lawyers for assistance pursuing compensation for your injuries. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows the complexities of these cases and will fight for your best interests. Schedule a free, no obligation consultation today.
Some key reasons to hire an attorney to pursue your accident case include the following:
1. Determining All Liable Parties
Trucking accidents are usually more complex than passenger vehicle accidents because numerous parties are involved. Therefore, more than one party could be held liable for damages in a truck accident.
The parties that may be liable include the:
- Truck driver
- Truck driver’s employer
- Owner of the vehicle, cab or trailer
- Manufacturer of the faulty part, if applicable
- Cargo loading company
- Leasing company
- Freight forwarding company
- Repair shop that worked on the vehicle
Your truck accident attorney will collect evidence through the discovery process and determine every party that may be liable for your injuries. A skilled truck accident lawyer will fight to hold these parties accountable for the roles they played in the accident.
2. Negotiating Complex Claims for Fair Compensation
During the negotiations process, multiple attorneys may be involved, representing numerous involved parties, including insurance companies. The job of these parties’ attorneys is to try to reduce the compensation paid to you, so they will look for whatever evidence available that can be used to deny your claim.
Working with an attorney gives you a better chance of recovering a fair compensation settlement. Seasoned attorneys like the team at Schmidt Kramer have years of experience negotiating for their clients, and your lawyer will communicate with all parties on your behalf to help ensure you receive the compensation owed to you.
3. Understanding of Trucking Injury Laws and Regulations
Many laws and regulations apply to the trucking industry, including those required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Some of these regulations include the following:
- Drivers of commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks and 18-wheelers, must be monitored while working.
- Companies that employ truck drivers are responsible for ensuring that drivers take appropriate rest breaks and do not work past a certain number of hours.
- Specific training hours are required before drivers can operate commercial trucks alone.
- Commercial trucks must be inspected regularly. Companies are required to keep detailed records of vehicle inspections.
- All trucks must maintain proper repairs and maintenance to ensure the vehicle’s safety.
A knowledgeable truck accident attorney has a detailed understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to the trucking industry. He or she will identify if any violations occurred that contributed to your accident.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact an attorney right away. Your lawyer will begin working to identify involved parties and contacting insurers to discuss your claim. You will also be advised about what evidence will be helpful for your case, such as accident scene photos, medical records and other materials.
With a successful truck accident lawyer on your side after a crash, you will receive the guidance you need to navigate the legal process. Most people are not very familiar with the trucking industry or commercial trucks, so the process of negotiating for the compensation you deserve can be difficult to handle without professional assistance.
Schmidt Kramer’s skilled truck accident lawyers will investigate your accident and pursue the responsible parties to help you get maximum compensation. We take cases on a contingency basis, so you only pay if we recover compensation in your case. Schedule a free, no obligation consultation today.
Call (717) 888-8888 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.