Yes, you can file a truck accident claim without the assistance of an attorney. There are no requirements that you must have one. You should have automobile insurance; you can file claims through your carrier.
The trucking company involved in the accident, your insurance carrier, and the insurance company representing the trucking company will call and offer a settlement claim shortly after the accident. Rely on our lawyers to help you field these calls and do more for you. Many people like to do it themselves, even in the case of filing their claims. This might not result in compensation, however.
Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Claim in a Very Involved Process
Part of filing a claim for yourself without an attorney will involve proving fault and liability. So get ready to do your homework! Knowing the proper parties responsible for the accident is critical to a successful case. The benefits of hiring an attorney come from their ability to handle this laundry list of responsibilities for you.
You Could Secure the Police Report
Yes, you can get your accident report. But, once you have it, do you know what to do with it? The police report only serves as a general indicator of fault. It can include images, measurements, witness statements, and an overview of injuries and damages.
The report can demonstrate that one party is responsible for the accident due to speeding, tailgating, or pulling out in traffic.
You Could Obtain the Truck Driver’s Record
A truck driver could have a long history of accidents. Are you able to pull someone’s personal driving history? It could be complicated. Your attorney can pull a driver’s record for discovery to determine if there is a history showing regular accidents and if the truck driver is likely at fault in your situation.
You Could Secure the Truck’s Maintenance Records
Big commercial trucks undergo a substantial amount of maintenance. If any of this work is missed or overlooked or the work is done poorly, a mechanic could be at fault. But, if the company and driver have been skipping maintenance, that might have led to the accident.
You Could Utilize Witness Reports
While the police report may have some information about witnesses to the accident, these people could be reluctant to answer questions. You may not get the cooperation you are looking for. Attorneys regularly interview witnesses, often shortly after the accident while memories are fresh.
You Could Obtain Black Box Data From the Truck
If you intend to present your own claim, you may want to know what type of information is stored in the truck’s black box. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calls these devices event data recorders or EDRs.
Getting the company to release that data to you could be difficult alone. Your attorney can get this information, though. They can also interpret the information into proof of fault. Some details you might find on an EDR include:
- Rate of speed
- Engaged brakes
- Swerving
- GPS
- Dashcam recordings
For a free legal consultation, call 800-333-9999
You Can Hire Our Attorneys To Stand By You Through Your Truck Accident Case
So, yes; you can file a truck accident claim without an attorney. However, this list is just touching on some of the basics of what your case could require. You might already have a lot to deal with after the accident, including recovering from your injuries, repairing your vehicle, or dealing with childcare. It doesn’t seem quite fair.
Filing civil claims against a trucking company can take up a lot of time and be complicated. Waiting out the insurance company and hoping for a fair settlement is leaving it to chance. If you are injured, your focus is most likely on healing and getting your life back to normal as quickly as possible.
Call Isaacs & Isaacs Today for Truck Accident Legal Guidance
By deciding that hiring an attorney is the best decision, choose Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers. We personalize the approach to get the service you need and a fair reward. Hiring an attorney can allow you to sit back and focus on what is essential right now—you.
Call us today for a free consultation with our team members. We can discuss how our truck accident lawyers can walk you through the process of filing a claim and fighting for fair compensation. We can use our resources and knowledge for you. Our team can valuate your losses and advocate for your concerns. Don’t delay in reaching out, as you could have a limited time to file a lawsuit.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
