If you've been involved in a truck accident in Salt Lake City, it can be overwhelming. The aftermath of a crash, especially one involving a large vehicle like a semi-truck, often leaves individuals confused about what to do next. At William Rawlings & Associates, we understand how challenging this situation can be. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team of dedicated attorneys has helped countless clients navigate the legal process, secure the compensation they deserve, and rebuild their lives. As a trusted Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer, we’ve seen firsthand the complexities that can arise in these cases. That’s why we’re here to provide you with practical advice on what steps to take if you’ve been involved in a truck accident.
The first thing you need to do after a truck accident is to make sure everyone is safe. If you’re able to, move to a safe area and check on the well-being of yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident. Call emergency services right away and report the crash. Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s still important to seek medical attention. Injuries from truck accidents can be serious, and some symptoms may not show up until hours or even days later. A truck injury attorney would tell you that having a medical record will be crucial for your case down the road.
A crucial part of handling any truck accident is reporting it to the police. The authorities will arrive at the scene, assess the situation, and file a police report. This report will serve as an official document detailing the circumstances of the accident, including the other party’s information and any citations issued. This documentation will play a key role in the legal process and will be invaluable to your truck accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT. Keep in mind that the police report is one of the first pieces of evidence your semi truck accident lawyers will need.
As long as it's safe, try to gather as much information as possible from the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the accident site, and any visible damage. If you can, get the contact information of the truck driver, any witnesses, and other individuals involved in the accident. This information could be essential to your case, especially if you're working with a truck accident attorney Salt Lake City. Keep a record of your injuries, medical treatment, and any expenses related to the accident. Your truck accident lawyer will be able to use these details to build a strong case on your behalf.
After a truck crash, it’s natural to want to understand who is responsible. However, avoid discussing the accident or admitting fault to anyone at the scene, including the other driver or witnesses. Often, the cause of the crash is not immediately clear. It’s best to leave fault determination to the police and your truck accident lawyer Salt Lake City. Statements made at the scene could be used against you later if you're not careful. Allow your semi truck accident law firm to handle the investigation and determine liability.
Do you need to hire a semi-truck accident lawyer? In the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s important to consult with a skilled truck accident attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you contact a truck accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT, the sooner they can begin investigating the case and gathering evidence. A lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and provide you with guidance on how to proceed. With decades of experience, William Rawlings & Associates has the experience to handle the complexities of truck accidents and secure the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky, especially after a truck accident. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize the payout or offer a quick settlement. While it may seem tempting to settle the case early, it’s important to consult with your truck accident lawyer before making any decisions. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not necessarily your best interests. A best truck accident attorney Salt Lake City can help ensure that any settlement offer reflects the true value of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
In Utah, there are specific deadlines for filing personal injury claims, including truck accidents. These deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, vary depending on the circumstances of your case. If you miss the filing deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. To avoid this, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in Salt Lake City as soon as possible after the crash. A seasoned injury truck attorney will be able to ensure that your claim is filed on time and within the legal framework. After an accident, according to the Utah Insurance Department, “Obtain information such as the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and license numbers of all persons involved in the accident and all witnesses. Also, record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of the vehicles involved, insurance information, apparent damage and injuries, and your version of what happened.”
After a truck accident, keeping track of your medical treatment and any related expenses is essential. This includes doctor’s visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any other treatments. These records will be important when it comes time to negotiate a settlement or present your case in court. Your truck injury attorney will use this documentation to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the financial burden caused by the accident.
While some truck accident injuries may seem minor initially, it’s important to consider the long-term impact they may have on your life. In some cases, injuries from a truck accident can lead to chronic pain, permanent disabilities, or mental health challenges like PTSD. When working with a semi-truck accident lawyer, make sure to account for both the immediate and long-term effects of the accident. This can significantly impact the compensation you're entitled to.
The legal process following a truck accident can be lengthy, especially when dealing with large trucking companies or insurance companies. Stay patient and trust that your truck accident lawyer will work diligently on your behalf. At William Rawlings & Associates, we are committed to providing the best legal representation to clients in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Our team of semi truck accident lawyers is here to help you through every step of the process.
Why Choose William Rawlings & Associates?
If you've been involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to have an experienced Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer on your side. With over three decades of experience, William Rawlings & Associates is a trusted name in truck accident law. Our team of accident lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We understand how overwhelming a truck accident can be, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact William Rawlings & Associates today to schedule a consultation with the best truck accident attorney Salt Lake City.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we understand how devastating truck accidents can be. With over three decades of experience, we've helped tens of thousands of clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars. As a Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed in accidents involving semi trucks, commercial vehicles, and other large trucks. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Utah, our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents are often much more serious than regular car accidents. When a large semi-truck or commercial vehicle is involved, the results can be life-changing. Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause significant damage and serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are not uncommon, especially on Utah’s busy highways.
If you find yourself in a situation where you've been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer by your side. A truck accident lawyer Salt Lake City will work to ensure that your case is handled properly and that you are compensated for your losses. At William Rawlings & Associates, our semi truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle even the most complicated truck accident cases.
When it comes to truck accidents, there are a variety of scenarios that can lead to serious injuries. Some of the common types of truck accidents include:
At William Rawlings & Associates, we have experience handling all of these types of truck accidents and more. We know how to investigate your case and gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim.
If you've been in a Utah truck accident, there are several ways a truck accident attorney Salt Lake City can assist you. The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Here's how our team of semi truck accident attorneys can help:
If you're looking for a Salt Lake City truck accident attorney, look no further than William Rawlings & Associates. Here are a few reasons why we stand out from other semi truck accident law firm:
If you've been injured in a truck accident in Utah, it’s crucial to get in touch with a truck accident lawyer Salt Lake City as soon as possible. At William Rawlings & Associates, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our attorneys have the experience, dedication, and resources needed to guide you through the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
When you choose our law firm, you are choosing a team that has a long track record of success in handling truck accidents. We understand the challenges that come with truck accidents, and we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced truck injury lawyers near me. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
At William Rawlings & Associates, your case is more than just a number. We are dedicated to giving each client the attention they deserve, and we are ready to help you navigate the legal process after your accident. Reach out to a Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer from our team today.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we understand the pain and confusion that follows a semi-truck accident. With over 100 years of combined experience, we have helped countless individuals in Utah recover the compensation they deserve. As a semi truck accident law firm, we know that the aftermath of these accidents can be overwhelming. That’s why our team is committed to standing by your side, helping you through the legal process, and ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt or injured in a semi-truck accident, it’s important to get in touch with a trusted truck accident attorney Utah. These cases can be complex, involving numerous factors such as the trucking company’s insurance, the truck driver’s actions, and even federal regulations. At William Rawlings & Associates, we’ve got the experience to handle these intricacies and secure the compensation you deserve.
Semi-truck accidents are often more severe than regular car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of the truck. Truckinfo.net says, “there are more than 168k truck accidents every year, around 32% of which involve an injury and around 3% result in a fatality.” These accidents can result in devastating injuries, including spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, and more. In some cases, they can even be fatal. If you've been involved in such an accident, it’s important to consult an accident law firm to ensure you understand your legal options and rights.
When accidents happen, the truck driver, trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the truck could be held liable. Determining who is at fault requires a deep understanding of trucking regulations, which is where a skilled truck injury law firm near me, like ours, comes in. We work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to build a solid case and pursue the justice our clients deserve.
Hiring truck accident attorneys Utah is crucial if you want to secure compensation for your injuries. Trucking accidents are much more complicated than car accidents because of the many layers involved in the process. For instance, semi trucks are often owned by companies, meaning multiple parties could be responsible. On top of that, the trucking industry is heavily regulated, with laws that govern how much weight a truck can carry, the hours a driver can work, and more.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we are well-versed in these regulations and know how to use them to our clients’ advantage. Whether it’s dealing with an insurance company or handling a dispute with a trucking company, we ensure our clients get fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you’re searching for a Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer or a Utah truck accident lawyer, William Rawlings & Associates is the trusted name you can count on. We’ve built a reputation for not only fighting for compensation but for fighting for justice. We’ve worked with individuals from all walks of life and understand the challenges you’re facing.
After a semi-truck accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights. The first thing is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Whether it’s a serious injury or something that seems minor, it’s always best to get checked by a doctor. Medical records will be crucial later on when pursuing compensation.
Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs, the next step is to contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in these cases, as evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly. A qualified truck accident attorney will help you gather important evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and even data from the truck itself.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we guide you through the entire legal process, from filing claims with insurance companies to potentially filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement can’t be reached. With our experience as a semi truck accident law firm, we ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to seeking the compensation you deserve.
After a semi-truck accident, there are several types of compensation you may be entitled to, including:
A Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer at William Rawlings & Associates will assess your case and help you determine the full scope of your potential compensation. We’re here to make sure that you’re fully compensated for all aspects of your injury, including both short-term and long-term needs.
When it comes to choosing a truck accident attorney Utah, you want a law firm with experience, a track record of success, and a commitment to your case. With over three decades of experience, William Rawlings & Associates is the accident law firm that stands out.
We offer personalized, dedicated service and work hard to ensure that our clients feel supported and heard throughout the legal process. Our team understands that the aftermath of a truck accident can be life-altering, which is why we do everything in our power to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
If you're searching for a truck accident attorneys Utah or a truck injury law firm near me, look no further than William Rawlings & Associates. Our reputation as trusted advocates in the legal community has helped many clients achieve favorable settlements and verdicts. We’re here to make sure that you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, don’t wait to get the legal representation you deserve. At William Rawlings & Associates, we’ve spent years building a reputation as one of Utah’s most trusted truck accident law firms. Whether you need a semi truck accident law firm, or an accident attorney in Utah, we’re here to help.
We believe in holding trucking companies accountable for their actions, and we’ll work tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with our team today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you recover from the aftermath of a semi-truck accident. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help guide you to justice.
Not all kinds of vehicle accidents and resulting liability cases are created equal, and one of the simplest examples here is a comparison between car and truck accidents. There are many ways that car and truck accidents can vary, from the scope and size of damage to the kinds of resulting actions that take place.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're happy to offer quality personal injury attorney services for any kind of vehicle accident, including car accidents, truck accidents and more. While the specifics of each individual case will obviously vary, let's look at some of the typical differences between car and truck accidents - from vehicle differences to accident scopes, injury and damage types, and more.
As you may have already assumed, perhaps the single largest difference between car and truck accidents is the size difference of the vehicles involved. Cars are generally much smaller than trucks, meaning that a truck accident can create much more serious damage and injuries to those involved.
This can trickle down to several other differences between car and truck accidents, such as the scope of the accident, the kinds of damage or injury types that are likely to be involved, and even insurance coverage.
When it comes to accident liability, the nature of the vehicle itself can play a role. Trucks are generally more difficult to operate than cars, and this can come into play if negligence is alleged in a truck accident case.
For example, if an inexperienced driver was behind the wheel of a truck at the time of an accident, this fact could be used as evidence that they were negligent or not taking the proper precautions. In other cases, an inexperienced driver may not be aware of the size differences between their vehicle and smaller cars, or other vehicles on the road, which could also come into play.
Due to the size and weight difference between cars and trucks, truck accident injuries can be much more serious than those sustained in car accidents. This is especially true when it comes to other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists being involved in a truck accident. For this reason, liability cases involving truck accidents will often require a higher level of proof to determine negligence on behalf of one party or another.
However, it's important to note that this is not always the case. Car accidents can be extremely serious, and proof of liability can be equally difficult to produce. It's important to consult an experienced attorney no matter the kind of accident you are involved in.
One area that is sometimes included in accident liability cases is the maintenance of the vehicle itself - and this is another area where car and truck accidents can differ.
Trucks are often subject to severe maintenance requirements, especially if they are used for commercial purposes. Therefore, in a truck accident case, it may be possible to introduce evidence that either the driver or the company failed to meet these requirements - such as regular oil changes or brake inspections - which could have contributed to or caused an accident.
On the other hand, while cars may also require regular maintenance and inspections, these are usually not as stringent - meaning that it's more difficult to argue that a car was negligently maintained in an accident case.
With most car accident cases, at-fault parties will generally be limited to the drivers of each vehicle. However, with truck accident cases, there are often more parties that could be at fault - such as the owner of the truck, a load carrier or cargo company and other involved parties.
This means that when it comes to assigning blame in a truck accident case, more witnesses may need to be interviewed and evidence must be thoroughly examined to determine the cause of the accident.
At William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced personal injury attorneys are well-versed in a variety of different kinds of vehicle accidents - including those involving cars and trucks. We can help you understand your case, introduce evidence and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damage sustained. Contact us today for help with any car accident or truck accident case, or for any other personal injury attorney need around SLC, Provo, Draper and the rest of Utah.
Have you been seriously injured in a Utah truck accident? Lawyers know the ins and outs of personal injury cases, and turning to an experienced local attorney is the best way to get the information and advice you need.
That said, injuries like yours might have you worried about the costs of medical care and your inability to work – and learning about the damages you may be entitled to may help ease your mind. Here, the experienced legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates explains the basics.
Personal injury lawyers use the term “damages” to refer to the monetary compensation an accident victim can pursue for their injuries and financial losses.
Personal injury cases are meant to hold a party or parties accountable for their actions, and to recover damages, you must be able to prove that someone else’s negligence directly led to the trucking accident and the injuries you suffered.
When more than one motorist is involved in an accident in Utah, the percentage of fault for each party affects the outcome of a personal injury case.
Utah has a comparative negligence law, which basically means that an assessment of a trucking accident is required to determine how much blame should be placed on each motorist. The amount of compensation you may receive from each party will be equivalent to their percentage of fault. And if you’re found to be at least 50 percent responsible for the accident, you may be barred from collecting any damages.
In Utah, truck accident victims have the legal right to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded.
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are meant to provide compensation for actual, measurable financial losses related to the truck accident. A lawyer may recommend seeking these economic damages:
Non-economic or general damages in personal injury cases are meant to provide monetary compensation for intangible losses incurred in a truck accident. A lawyer can determine which of the following non-economic damages apply to your case:
Experienced truck accident lawyers know that punitive or exemplary damages are rarely awarded in the state of Utah. This is because punitive damages are intended to be a punishment for the at-fault party for gross negligence and to deter others from acting in the same manner.
Sometimes, the injured victim in a Utah truck accident and the at-fault party or parties come to an agreement in a timely manner – but that’s not the norm.
More often than not, people with serious injuries need to fight for the compensation they deserve. Many end up waiting far too long, and for some, filing a lawsuit is the only way to recover damages. Delays in the process are to be expected, yet you don’t have all the time in the world to resolve the situation.
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is four years – and in your case, the clock started ticking on the day of your truck accident. Any lawsuit filed after that time won’t be legally valid. Be aware, too, that property damage claims have a three-year deadline. So, you have even less time to make a claim for compensation for your damaged vehicle and any other items in poor condition as a result of the accident.
To recover damages as quickly as possible – and to receive the maximum in compensation for your injuries and losses -- you need an experienced Utah truck accident lawyer, one who knows how to win. That’s what you’ll get with William R. Rawlings & Associates.
Our legal team will fight to ensure that you receive every dollar you’re owed, and while we’re able to settle most personal injury cases, we’re not afraid to go to trial. Our truck accident lawyers have been representing injured victims like you for more than 35 years, and no other Utah law firm is as dedicated to reaching the best possible case outcome.
Working with William R. Rawlings & Associates is risk-free, as we don’t charge legal fees unless we obtain damages in a personal injury case – and the initial consultation is always free. To meet with one of the best truck accident lawyers in Utah, contact us today.
Any type of motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause life-changing injuries. When that happens, calling a Utah catastrophic injury lawyer is the right move.
Accident claims that involve catastrophic personal injuries present unique challenges. The stakes in these cases are high, and the majority of the damages victims seek – including future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment and emotional distress -- are inherently difficult to calculate. With so much on the line, insurance companies put up a fight before handing over compensation.
Experienced catastrophic injury lawyers know how to fight back and pursue a settlement or jury award that accounts for all past, current and future expenses. For accident victims with serious injuries, having legal counsel can be extremely beneficial.
Generally speaking, catastrophic injuries are those which have a significant long-term impact on a person’s life. These types of injuries are often life-threatening, and they can result in a range of devastating consequences, including:
Accident victims with catastrophic injuries require intensive medical treatment, a lengthy rehabilitation program and, in some cases, specialized lifelong care. Many are unable to return to work or take part in activities they once enjoyed. A catastrophic injury can result in losses in just about every aspect of life.
Any injury that can be described as serious and life-changing may be considered catastrophic. Specific examples of catastrophic injuries include:
Any freak accident can result in catastrophic injuries, but statistically, certain types of incidents are more likely to bring on a personal injury of this nature. In Utah, the leading causes include:
Whatever the cause and whoever is to blame, experienced catastrophic injury lawyers can help victims pursue full compensation for all of their losses. And while no amount of money can make up for the pain, emotional suffering and dire life consequences, holding the at-fault party or parties accountable provides victims with some relief.
In Utah, anyone who is injured as a result of someone else’s actions has the right to seek out compensation for all of their losses. Catastrophic injury lawyers know how to determine which damages apply, and an accident claim may include the following:
Medical Expenses
For accident victims with catastrophic personal injuries, the cost of medical treatment can be significant. Injury lawyers fight to recover compensation for past, ongoing and future:
Economic Damages
Accident victims suffer a range of measurable monetary losses, known as economic or special damages. Experienced catastrophic injury lawyers pursue compensation for the following:
Non-Economic Damages
Catastrophic injuries come with intangible losses, referred to as general or non-economic damages. These aren’t easily quantified, but injury lawyers seek compensation for:
Are you an accident victim with catastrophic injuries? At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we represent people whose lives have been turned upside down due to a motor vehicle accident. With a catastrophic injury lawyer from our Utah law firm in your corner, you’ll have the legal help you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team can handle all of the work your accident claim requires. The steps we’ll take to help ensure a positive case outcome include:
We’ll work hard to secure a fair financial settlement, but if the negotiations break down, our catastrophic injury lawyers are ready to go to trial. We know how to get results – and since our legal team won’t get paid unless we’re successful in securing compensation, you can count on William R. Rawlings & Associates to make every effort to make sure that happens.
A free consultation with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer is only a phone call away. For expert help with your Utah accident claim, contact us today.
You have your driver’s license, so you learned the rules of the road in Utah – but no one taught you anything about how to get compensation for losses resulting from a trucking collision. Is hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer necessary?
Actually, no. Legal representation isn’t required to file an accident claim in Utah.
That said, you can’t expect insurance adjusters to offer good advice or advocate for your rights. Their goal is to save their employer money, which is contrary to your goal. The reality is, you may need to have an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer in your corner to obtain the maximum in financial compensation.
Some victims of trucking collisions receive fair settlement offers from insurance companies, but most face an uphill battle in terms of compensation. All too often, filing a semi-truck accident lawsuit is the only way to get an acceptable payout.
If you’re compelled to go that route, you won’t have all the time in the world to bring an accident claim. In Utah, the statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits is four years – and the clock started ticking the date of your trucking collision. With very few exceptions, injured victims lose the right to make a claim for compensation after the four-year period expires.
Be aware, though, that you have an even shorter amount of time to pursue compensation for property damage – in Utah, this type of claim has a three-year deadline. And in the event of wrongful death, a victim’s surviving heirs have just two years from the date of death to take legal action.
Depending upon the circumstances surrounding your trucking collision, you may need a semi-truck accident lawyer to help you figure out who can be held legally responsible for your injuries and losses.
That’s obviously the semi-truck driver, isn’t it? Perhaps – if the collision involved distracted driving, speeding or any other reckless actions. But if the driver wasn’t negligent and didn’t violate any Utah traffic laws or trucking regulations, you may need to make a claim against another party.
Who might be to blame for your trucking collision? A number of parties could be named in your accident claim. The trucking company, a parts manufacturer, a maintenance contractor, a cargo loader – those a just a few of the entities that can be held liable in Utah. A truck accident lawyer will have the expertise to work out how and why the collision occurred, identifying the at-fault party or parties and holding them accountable.
Aside from getting expert assistance determining liability, are there any other reasons to consider hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer? Sure – and the biggest reason is to level the playing field.
Insurance companies have catchy slogans designed to make you think they care about you, but their focus is on profit. Instead of protecting your rights, insurance adjusters aim to protect the bottom line of the insurance company. An experienced truck accident lawyer can advocate for your best interests, ensuring that you don’t settle for less money than you deserve.
In addition, to get fairly compensated, you’ll need to secure ample evidence. This includes proof of negligence on behalf of the at-fault party or parties, proof that the trucking collision caused your injuries and proof of the financial losses resulting from the accident. Getting all of the documentation you need can be a challenge on your own – and to obtain some forms of evidence, such as data from onboard electronic logs and in-cab cameras, you may need help from a semi-truck accident lawyer.
You have a narrow window of time to file a truck accident lawsuit, so it’s in your best interests to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Investigating the cause of your trucking collision, getting the necessary evidence to prove your claim and securing the compensation you deserve could take quite some time – and for the best case outcome, your lawyer will need to get to work right away.
For expert legal representation in Utah, accident victims trust the professional team at William R. Rawlings & Associates. Our highly skilled lawyers have decades of experience taking on truck accident claims, and as former insurance adjusters and insurance company attorneys, we know what it takes to negotiate a fair settlement. And if that isn’t in the cards, we’re willing to battle it out in court.
After a serious trucking collision, your attention should be on recovering from your injuries – not on recovering financial compensation. Let the legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates focus on the latter, and we’ll do whatever we can to get you the maximum possible payout. To learn why our Utah law firm is the right one to handle your accident claim, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a friendly and knowledgeable semi-truck accident lawyer, contact our Draper, Utah, office today.
As personal injury lawyers, we should be able to tell you how long it typically takes to settle a semi-truck accident claim – but the truth is, every case is different.
Sometimes, the injured victim and the at-fault party or parties quickly come to an agreement. Much of the time, however, people with serious injuries have to fight for far too long to get the monetary compensation they deserve. And in some cases, filing a semi-truck accident lawsuit is the only option, which further delays the process.
If you were injured in a collision with a semi or heavy-duty truck, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is in your best interests. The decision on whether or not to accept a settlement offer is yours, of course, but you don’t want to settle a semi-truck accident claim for a sum that doesn’t meet your needs.
Several factors can prolong the process of reaching a settlement after a truck accident. A skilled personal injury lawyer will know how to get a payout as quickly as possible, but all of the following are required to pursue damages from the at-fault party or parties:
Obtaining all of the necessary evidence can take time. Your personal injury lawyer may need to seek out estimates from medical, occupational and economic experts as to the value of your losses – which can extend the timeline for your settlement.
Chances are, you’ll start hearing from insurance adjusters during the recovery process – and you may even get a settlement offer just a few days or weeks after your truck accident. You might be tempted to accept the offer, particularly if you’re in need of financial relief, but doing so is risky.
How so? When you sign a settlement check, you basically agree not to pursue any additional compensation for losses resulting from the accident. Courts are strict about enforcing these agreements, so you should hold off on accepting an offer until you’ve been cleared by a medical professional or your personal injury attorney advises you to take the settlement.
In most cases, personal injury lawyers can negotiate with the insurance adjusters involved and settle truck accident claims without heading to court. However, in certain circumstances, attorneys recommend suing the at-fault party or parties. This may occur if any of the following are true for your accident claim:
Other situations -- such as a case involving fraudulent actions by an insurer or the need to pursue compensation above the limit of the insurance policy of the liable party or parties – can also lead to a truck accident lawsuit. That said, most accident claims settle out of court.
With an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, you can receive the maximum in compensation for your losses. And at William R. Rawlings & Associates, you can count on us to do whatever we can to settle your semi-truck accident claim as quickly as possible. For a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney, contact our law office today.
Being injured in a truck accident is a traumatic experience, and you may not know how to react or what to do – but the fact is, your actions can have a significant impact on your physical and financial recovery.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we want to help injured victims. To that end, our experienced Utah truck injury lawyers have prepared a list of important steps to take to protect your legal rights.
If you’ve been hurt in a collision with an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, semi-truck or big rig, we recommend that you:
While you’re still at the scene, try to get contact information for any witnesses to the truck collision. And, take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle and all other vehicles involved. If you’re not able, don’t worry – a truck accident attorney can get all of the necessary evidence.
Legal representation isn’t required for an accident claim, but hiring a lawyer is a good idea for several reasons. One major advantage is that an attorney can determine who is liable for your losses – and that may be the at-fault driver, the company they work for, a parts manufacturer or more than one party.
When you work with the dedicated team at William R. Rawlings & Associates, our truck accident attorneys will:
William R. Rawlings & Associates offers personalized legal representation to individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or careless actions of another party. Our law firm takes on many types of accident claims, including truck collisions – and we’re proud to have both decades of experience and a long history of successful case results.
You can expect our accident attorneys to do everything in their power to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your expenses and losses. Let us fight on your behalf while you focus on healing and recovering from your injuries. Contact us online or give our office a call and schedule a truck accident attorney consultation today.
If a collision involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler or other big rig has left you with serious injuries, you can file a truck accident claim. Doing so may provide you with compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress and other losses resulting from the crash.
In a truck accident case, the likelihood of a successful outcome is directly related to the quality of the evidence. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Salt Lake City can provide the advantage you need to maximize your award.
Read on to learn about the types of evidence that can be crucial to receiving the financial compensation you deserve.
The investigating police officer who responds to the scene of a collision will create an official report. A certified truck inspector may also come out to examine the big rig before it’s towed away. The information in both reports can be used as evidence in a truck accident claim.
If able, victims injured in a truck collision should take photos of the accident scene, including shots of the road and all of the vehicles involved from various angles. Getting the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses is also beneficial, as their testimony can lend credibility to the victim’s version of events.
Federal law requires commercial truck drivers to follow specific regulations, and big rigs are outfitted with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their hours of service. If a truck collision occurs due to a violation, such as too much time driving without a break, this log can provide the necessary evidence for an acciden-t claim.
Some commercial trucks have in-cab cameras that face both the driver and the road. In the event of an accident, the footage captured can provide clear evidence of exactly what the driver was doing and how the vehicle’s mechanical systems were operating at the time of the collision.
When someone is seriously injured in a truck accident, federal regulations often require that the driver of the big rig undergo a drug and alcohol test. Driving while impaired is known to reduce concentration and reaction time, and if the use of some sort of substance contributed to the collision, the test results can be valuable evidence.
While you may be able to obtain some of the items we listed above on your own, getting your hands on other crucial evidence – namely the ELD data, in-cab videos and driver drug and alcohol testing -- may require the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
In addition, an attorney can send out a document called a spoliation letter, requesting that all evidence related to the collision be preserved. If negligence or wrongful action on the part of the truck driver caused your accident, the trucking company won’t be able to legally destroy the evidence.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we know what it takes to achieve a successful outcome in a truck accident claim. If you’ve been injured in a big rig collision in Salt Lake City or anywhere in Utah, contact us and schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer today.