Truck Accident FAQ
Representing the Injured in Nevada
- 1. What should I do if I'm involved in a truck accident?
At Richard Harris Law Firm, we recommend that you: - See a doctor. Even if you don't think you were injured in the accident, symptoms may take days or even weeks to develop. Your well-being is most important, and immediate medical evaluation can speed healing. Keep records of medical care, treatment, and recovery following the accident—these details may be important to your case.
- Collect contact information for anyone involved in the accident, as well as witnesses. The police report should also include this information if you're unable to record it at the scene.
- Don't sign or agree to anything offered by the trucking company or its insurer. The trucking company is focused on cutting its losses in any way possible and may compromise your rights to fair compensation.
- Contact Richard Harris Law Firm. We can protect your rights and help make sure you are treated fairly.
- Who can be held accountable for a truck accident?
When you've been involved in a trucking accident, you need to know who was responsible for causing it. Parties who may be held accountable for your accident include:
- drivers of other passenger vehicles,
- maintenance contractors,
- shipping or distribution agencies,
- truck drivers,
- truck owners,
- trucking companies, and
- any other entities that contributed to the accident's cause.
- How are truck accidents investigated?
The truck accident investigation process is often complex and may involve:
- accident reconstruction,
- analysis of road conditions, weather, or other environmental factors,
- collection and examination of drivers' logs, inspection reports, and maintenance records,
- compilation of witness testimony, and
- evaluation of vehicles involved , including brakes, tires, steering components, etc.
- What type of compensation am I entitled to?
Every case is different, and settlement amounts vary depending on a number of factors. Richard Harris Law Firm handles each case on an individual basis, and while there are no guarantees, we can promise you we'll do the best job we can on your case.
- Why shouldn't I deal directly with trucking or insurance companies?
Representatives of trucking and insurance companies will go to great lengths to get the lowest possible settlement, regardless of an accident victim's needs or rights.
Trucking and insurance companies are powerful opponents to face following an accident. They have experienced legal teams at their service, so you need a strong legal advocate from Richard Harris Law Firm who can support you and help get the compensation you need and deserve.
- What should I do if the trucking or insurance companies contact me?
Never speak to representatives of the trucking or insurance companies involved in your accident without talking to your lawyer first. When we represent you, the insurance company is notified and advised that all further communication must be made through our firm. If you're already working with our lawyers, report any attempted contact to us—we'll handle it. - How can an attorney help me?
Having Richard Harris Law Firm on your side ensures that your best interests are protected throughout every step of your case and provides you with valuable guidance for maneuvering the claims process.
We know how to investigate various potential crash factors in order to determine if someone else's negligent or careless actions caused your injuries.
Our legal professionals are familiar with extensive trucking industry regulations and standards of practice, and we are skilled at collecting and evaluating evidence, including:
- Road and weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Service and repair records
- Signs of excessive wear (brakes, tires, etc.)
- Trip inspection and maintenance logs
- Truck design or manufacturing defects
- Witness testimony
You've just been involved in a truck accident. What should you do next?
Due to their weight and size, big trucks can cause serious injuries. After an accident, your first priority should be getting medical treatment. You should go to the doctor if you're experiencing any pain following your accident, because some injuries take time to become apparent.
In addition to receiving medical attention, there are a few important steps that you can take after a truck accident that may help you build a strong case. If possible, get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of the other drivers and any witnesses.
You also need to get the name and contact information of the trucking company. Sometimes trucking companies violate industry regulations to save money. If a violation caused your accident, the trucking company can be held responsible for your medical bills and vehicle repair costs.
If you can, take pictures of the accident and write down a detailed description of exactly what happened in your accident, including the lane you were traveling in, your speed, and driving conditions. This evidence will help your attorney prepare your case.
After a truck accident, you may have to deal with adjusters who work for the trucking company's insurance provider. They may show up at the accident scene or call you at home and offer you a “lowball” settlement. Don't negotiate with them, and most important, don't sign anything. Remember, their job is to pay you as little as they can.
Trucking companies have many resources to protect themselves after accidents. That's why you need an experienced truck accident attorney to represent you and stand up for your rights.
Our truck accident lawyers know about trucking industry regulations, and we can find out if any were violated that may have led to your accident. We have years of experience handling truck accidents, and we can investigate your case, gather evidence, and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today.
