You should consult a lawyer for a truck accident as soon as possible after the collision. That is especially true if you were injured, a loved one died, fault is disputed, or the trucking company or its insurer has already contacted you.
Acting early gives a Boston truck accident lawyer from our law firm more time to preserve evidence and protect your claim. We will investigate the crash, communicate with the insurance companies, and explain the next steps in your case.
Reasons to Talk With a Lawyer After a Truck Accident
Many people wait until they receive a settlement offer or run into problems with the insurance company. Speaking with a lawyer sooner often gives you more time to pursue your claim and understand your options.
You may want to contact a lawyer from our firm if any of the following apply to your situation:
- You suffered injuries that required medical treatment.
- A family member died in the crash.
- A commercial truck, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or other large vehicle was involved.
- The insurance company disputes who caused the crash.
- The trucking company contacts you directly.
- More than one vehicle was involved.
- You could not work because of your injuries.
- You receive a settlement offer that seems too low for the damages you suffered.
Talking with a lawyer does not mean you have to file a lawsuit. It gives you the opportunity to learn about your rights, ask questions, and decide what to do next.
What Happens After You Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Your first conversation with a lawyer is a chance to explain what happened and learn about your legal options. You do not have to decide whether to file a lawsuit during that meeting.
Instead, your lawyer will review the facts of the crash, answer your questions, and explain what the claims process may involve. After learning about your case, your lawyer may begin to:
- Review the police report and any available evidence.
- Collect medical records and other documents related to your injuries.
- File paperwork to protect evidence held by the trucking company (e.g., driver logs, maintenance records).
- Speak with witnesses and investigate how the crash happened.
- Handle negotiation talks with the insurance companies.
- Evaluate your damages and discuss what compensation may be available.
Why Timing Matters in a Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases often involve evidence that is controlled by the trucking company. Some records may only be kept for a limited time unless someone takes action to preserve them.
Examples include driver logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance records, inspection reports, dash camera footage, GPS information, and driver qualification files.
Medical records, photographs, witness information, and damage to the vehicles are also easier to document soon after the collision. Waiting too long can make proving your claim more difficult.
Truck Accident Claims Often Involve Multiple Liable Parties
A crash involving a commercial truck is often more complicated than a collision between two passenger vehicles. Several parties may share responsibility, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A maintenance contractor
- A cargo loading company
- The owner of the truck
- A manufacturer of defective vehicle parts
Commercial trucks are also regulated by federal safety rules and industry requirements. Those rules may become part of the investigation if they relate to the cause of the crash.
What if You Are Partly Responsible for the Crash?
Being partly at fault does not automatically prevent you from bringing a claim. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 85.
If you are 50% or less responsible for the crash, your award may be reduced based on your share of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover damages. We work to show what happened and prove who may be responsible for the accident.
What Can a Lawyer Do During the Investigation?
Building a truck accident claim for damages usually requires much more than reviewing a police report.
A lawyer from our team will:
- Gather information and evidence that supports your claim, including crash reports, photographs, and videos.
- Interview people who saw the accident.
- Determine which state and federal laws apply to your case.
- Review losses and calculate the value of a claim.
- Lead talks with the insurance company.
- Seek recovery at trial if the claim cannot be settled outside of court.
Every part of the investigation is aimed at presenting a clear picture of how the crash happened and the losses you have suffered. Beginning a review as soon as possible can make it easier to present a well-supported claim.
What Damages May Be Available?
The value of a truck accident claim depends on how the crash has affected your life. Some losses are easy to calculate, such as medical bills and lost wages. Others may take more time to understand, especially if your injuries require ongoing treatment or change your ability to work.
A claim may include damages for:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
If a truck accident results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Massachusetts law. If your loved one suffered a fatal injury in a truck collision, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Our Boston wrongful death lawyer will guide your family through the process and handle your claim while you take care of your loved ones.
Should You Speak With the Trucking Company’s Insurance Company?
You may receive a call from an insurance adjuster after the crash. They may ask for a recorded statement or request that you sign paperwork for medical authorizations. Before you agree to either request, many people choose to speak with a lawyer.
Your attorney can explain what information should be provided, respond to the insurer, and help prevent misunderstandings that could affect your claim.
What Should You Bring to Your First Meeting With a Lawyer?
You do not need to bring every document before scheduling a consultation with an attorney or law firm. If you have it, it helps to bring:
- The police report
- Photographs from the crash scene
- Medical reports or discharge papers
- Insurance information
- Contact information for witnesses
- Repair estimates for any damaged or destroyed property
- Any letters or emails from insurance companies
If you do not have these items, a lawyer can help obtain many of them.
Get Help From a Truck Accident Lawyer at Earley Law Group
If you are deciding when to speak with a lawyer about a truck accident, getting answers now may help you avoid mistakes as you pursue a claim for damages. Speaking with a lawyer sooner also helps you understand the filing deadlines that may apply to your case.
Earley Law Group has served injured people across Massachusetts since 2006 and brings 25 years of combined legal experience to our cases. We offer white–glove service, recovering millions for clients. We also help connect clients with medical resources during their recovery.
We work on a contingency fee basis with a No Fee Guarantee and can travel for consultations when needed. If you are considering consulting a lawyer for a truck accident claim, Call Earley Before It’s Too Late!™ We are ready to listen and help you recover the damages you deserve.