The Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney
Experienced legal representation makes a big difference
Most people will be involved in a car accident at some point in their lives. But when a semi-truck is involved, the result is almost always devastating. In the aftermath of such a collision, one of the best decisions you can make is to enlist the help of an experienced trucking accident attorney.
We want to help you avoid the mistake of speaking to an inexperienced attorney. With over 95% of our cases dedicated to truck accidents, the attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC are ready to help you during this difficult time. Having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference for you and your family.
Truck accident lawyers handle complex cases
Semi-trucks can weigh up to 40 tons and can cause serious destruction on our roads.
While some car accident cases can be resolved without the need for legal representation, accidents involving commercial vehicles are usually complex. These cases require a great deal of knowledge to navigate the legal system. A skilled attorney will determine the best course of action, from conducting investigations to recruiting experts and presenting evidence on your behalf.
Our multi-million-dollar verdicts & settlements
- Traumatic Brain Injury
$20 million – Red Light Violation
In Cobb County, Georgia, for a victim who suffered a brain injury after being hit when a truck driver ran a red light.
- Wrongful Death
$14.25 million – Rear End Collision
A woman suffered burns and lost her husband and daughter when they were rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on a bridge near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our Truck Accident Attorneys secured $14.25 million after filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Nerve Injury
$10.5 million – Paralysis
A tractor-trailer veered off the road, striking a police vehicle that had stopped a car for a traffic violation in Marion, Alabama.
Do I need to hire a truck accident lawyer?
In truck accident litigation, your attorney’s experience in the area matters a great deal. Many trucking companies have teams of lawyers to protect themselves from paying high prices for their negligence. Just as you would not see a dentist for a brain injury, you should not entrust your livelihood or that of your family to just any lawyer, but one who understands and knows how to protect your needs.
The attorneys at Fried Goldberg have been nationally recognized by both their peers and their satisfied clients as “The Truck Accident Attorneys.” From big-rig spills to semi-truck jackknifes, Fried Goldberg has represented a range of victims. We understand how this has disrupted your life, and most of all, we are here to help you get it back on track.
When should I get a truck accident attorney?
The sooner you hire a trucking accident attorney, the better. Time is absolutely critical following an accident, as an investigation must be conducted immediately. When it comes to evidence at the scene of the accident, clues are time sensitive. Marks on pavement can fade and vehicles can be removed and repaired before damage is accounted for.
If this is delayed for too long, the trucking company can gain a significant advantage.
The right attorney will handle your case quickly, readily obtaining the necessary documentation and evidence.
How can a truck accident attorney help me?
The average person is unaware of the various laws and statues governing truck accident cases. When people choose to go unrepresented, their cases are often dismissed without financial compensation due to lack of proper evidence.
Many factors affect the outcome of your case, and an experienced trucking attorney can help guide you through the legal process.
Your trucking accident attorney can:
Determine liability
Your attorney will be able to determine who is liable for your personal injury, loss or suffering.
In many cases, multiple parties could be held liable for damages, including: the truck driver, truck manufacturer, the owner of the truck or trailer, the person or company that leased the truck from the owner, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts and the shipper or loader of the truck’s cargo.
Your attorney may seek to prove driver negligence if the truck driver was reckless or failed to adhere to safety regulations.
Collect relevant evidence
Your trucking attorney will help coordinate a truck accident investigation following a wreck.
In addition to investigating the scene of the accident and gathering witness testimonies, your attorney will examine the following for evidence:
- the truck driver’s employment history, qualifications, drug and alcohol tests
- the trucking company’s insurance carrier information
- inspection of the commercial vehicle involved in the accident
- property damage to your vehicle
- medical records of injuries sustained
- the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), aka “black box”
Navigate truck law and federal regulations
Hiring a trucking attorney will ensure that you are aware of deadlines and federal regulations that may impact your case. Your attorney will understand the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies, cargo companies and truck businesses.
Identify damages
There are three types of damages you can seek compensation for: property damage, minor injury and major injury. An attorney can help you determine what type of damages to seek.
Questions you should ask an attorney
When you’ve been involved in a serious accident, it’s important that you explore your legal options to find the best fit for your needs.
When it’s time to sit down with an attorney, here are a few key topics you should cover:
- Jurisdiction – Make sure that your attorney’s jurisdiction matches up with your case. For out of state accidents, this can get tricky. Be sure to fill your lawyer in with any pertinent details about the accident’s location and your residence.
- Legal Fees – Ask about any up-front fees or expenses you will be responsible for covering. Most lawyers will work for a contingency fee, meaning you will only pay your lawyer if he or she obtains compensation for you. Depending on the firm, you may be responsible for some additional expenses, like court costs and filing fees.
- Experience – Ask your attorney about his or her successful experience handling truck related accident cases, and how much of the law practice is dedicated to your specific kind of case. Do not assume that your lawyer has experience dealing with your type of case.
- Legal Opinion – Ask your lawyer if your truck accident lawsuit is worth the effort. An honest opinion can help you make the valuable decision of saving your time or committing to get the compensation you deserve. Look for a lawyer who will discuss various possible options.
- Documentation – Ask your attorney for a list of documentation you should have on-hand during your visit.
We can fight for the compensation you deserve
Fried Goldberg, LLC has represented victims of trucking accidents in multiple states across the nation. From wrongful death to catastrophic injury cases, we hold a thorough understanding of trucking laws and regulations and have dedicated our focus to helping people like you. With the right help by your side, the path to recovery could be closer than you think.
Please call us anytime, even if you just have questions. For a private, no-cost, no-obligation consultation, contact us today.