Truck accidents are often different from other types of auto accidents, as they involve larger vehicles with the potential for severe damage. Thus, truck accident claims require a careful evaluation of the events and factors involved to determine fault and the proper amount of compensation. Knowing what questions your Gaithersburg attorney may ask you when filing a personal injury claim following a truck accident can help you prepare for this process.
What Were the Road Conditions Like?
Road conditions can play a significant role in accident risk, particularly for trucks. Your lawyer will ask you to describe the road conditions at the time of the accident to determine whether factors such as the weather, the lighting conditions, the amount of traffic, visibility and the road conditions justified the trucker’s actions, or whether he failed to compensate for them properly.
Have You Spoken With an Insurance Company?
Insurance companies will often take steps to obtain statements that could be used against your personal injury claim as soon as possible. Therefore, it is best for you to speak with a lawyer before you make any sort of recorded statement over the phone, either for your insurance or the trucker’s insurance. Your lawyer will want to know if you have made such a statement already, as it can affect how your case is presented. If you have not made a statement, your attorney will determine whether a statement is necessary and, if so, how to prepare for it.
When Was the Accident?
Truck accidents and their related personal injury claims must be addressed quickly to prevent accidental or intentional destruction of evidence. Because trucking companies often destroy their records legally after a short period of time, your lawyer must act fast to obtain documentation while it is available. Additionally, some accidents require a physical inspection of the vehicles by a qualified expert to determine such things as point of impact, the condition of the braking system, or whether headlights or brake lights were operational. This inspection must take place before any vehicle repairs begin. Thus, your lawyer will need to know when your accident occurred to determine whether certain types of evidence are still available.
Truck accidents can cause devastating damage in the blink of an eye. Your truck accident attorney serving Gaithersburg and Rockville is on your side when it comes to achieving a personal injury settlement.