4 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer Who Understands Truck Accident Claims
Many personal injury lawyers in Ontario are equipped to handle car accident claims. However, not all lawyers are prepared to investigate and prosecute accident claims involving large trucks, such as semis and tractor-trailers.
Below are four things to consider when hiring an accident lawyer in the wake of a serious truck accident:
1. A focused practice may mean specialty services – Some lawyers are jacks-of-all-trades and practice a wide range of cases, with everything from criminal defense to estate law to divorce to personal injury and anything and everything in between. Unfortunately, a diverse professional background may mean limited experience in any one area of practice.
A lawyer focused on personal injury cases likely will have more experience prosecuting claims involving commercial truck accidents. Choosing a lawyer focused on truck accidents means your legal team can draw on past case experience and outcomes to determine the most effective course of action.
2. Truck cases are more complex than car accidents – Commercial truck accidents typically involve more than one liable party. They also may involve a number of city, provincial and national – even international – regulations not seen in the typical automotive accident claim.
A truck accident lawyer will be well-versed in applicable traffic and trucking laws and how these impact your case. Likewise, he or she should have experience navigating claims involving multiple defendants, including large trucking companies or multinational corporations.
3. The stakes may be higher in a truck accident case – Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, such as brain trauma, spinal injury, paralysis, amputation and death. These injuries and losses can result in a significant financial and physical burden for a victim and/or surviving family members.
It is important that the lawyer who handles a truck accident claim has experience prosecuting claims where the victim has suffered life-altering and possibly debilitating injuries. This lawyer may be better positioned to prove the severity and long-term costs of such injuries.
4. The defendant may have substantial resources – Trucking companies often have the benefit of powerful insurance companies and legal teams on their sides. A lawyer who has handled truck accidents previously will be better positioned to go up against a well-resourced company or corporation, whether it’s in the negotiation room or the courtroom.
Financial Resources are Available to Truck Accident Victims
Ontario’s insurance laws provide you a right to Accident Benefits, regardless of who caused your truck accident. You must, however, inform your insurance company of your accident within seven days of the incident. Additionally, you must complete and submit your application for Accident Benefits within 30 days of receipt.
You may be eligible for medical and rehabilitation benefits, attendant care benefits and income replacement benefits, among other Accident Benefits. You also may have the option to sue a negligent truck driver or trucking company if these parties were responsible for your accident.
As you research potential lawyers and meet with them for consultations, be sure you’re prepared and know the right questions to ask. To set up a consultation with the Preszler Injury Lawyers, call 1-800-JUSTICE®.
