Why hire our truck accident lawyer in Reno?
At Leverty & Associates Law, we have a team of attorneys who have successfully represented various clients who were victims of truck accidents. We have combined experience of four decades, which has provided us with the skills, expertise, and knowledge needed to represent your case.
With our skills and expertise, we can help you get justice and hold the at-fault party liable.
Our attorneys will prioritize your case and ensure you get the legal support you need. We will advocate for you and make sure you receive your due compensation.
How fault impacts compensation after a truck accident
The first question a truck accident attorney in Reno will ask is “Who caused the accident?” When it comes to personal injury law, fault translates to liability. Your truck accident attorney’s primary job is to build a compelling case showing that you were not at fault for the accident.
This job naturally raises the question of who is responsible, if not you? The obvious answer is the truck driver, but this is not always the case.
The truck driver might be at fault
A negligent trucker is often the person responsible for the accident. A truck driver is responsible for making many decisions. When a trucker makes a poor choice that can be interpreted under the law as negligence, consulting a lawyer can be crucial to understanding your legal options. The most common situations in which a truck driver is the person responsible for an accident include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Knowingly violating safety rules and regulations.
In each of these areas, there are still more ways in which a driver can be found responsible. Reckless driving might include following another car too closely or weaving between lanes. Truckers are subject to an enormous number of safety rules regulating everything from how much weight they carry to how many hours of continuous driving they are allowed to engage in. Failure to follow these rules often leads to accidents resulting from unsafe cargo weight, drowsy driving, and other dangerous scenarios.
The trucking company might be at fault
Despite the many ways a driver can be blamed for a truck accident, other parties can also be found responsible for the accident. In cases where a driver is not at fault, blame may lie with the trucking company the driver works for. Trucking companies are subject to many regulations designed to keep all drivers safe.
These requirements include:
- Safely maintaining vehicles
- Performing regular maintenance and safety checks
- Ensuring that cargo loads are safe for a truck’s size
- Ensuring that a truck’s weight is safe for the designated route
- Hiring correctly trained and certified drivers
- Completing background checks on driving history.
If a trucking company violates safety regulations or makes unsafe choices in an attempt to cut costs, the company itself, rather than the individual driver, might be responsible for your losses.
Another party might be at fault
Finally, additional parties can be responsible for a truck accident in some situations.
- A mechanic whose work left a truck in an unsafe state can be responsible if a truck accident attorney can prove the mechanic’s work caused the accident.
- A construction company can be liable if an unsafe work zone contributes to the accident. Determining fault depends on the specifics of how the accident occurred.
It is also possible for multiple parties to share the blame. For example, a trucking company might order a truck to be loaded with an unsafe cargo weight, but a reckless truck driver might cause the accident. In a case like that, the driver and the trucking company might share a percentage of fault for the accident.
An accident involving split fault makes negotiating a settlement much more complicated for truck accident lawyers. However, it has the benefit of potentially higher compensation as multiple insurance policies come into play.
Advice from Reno attorneys on protecting yourself after a truck accident
Taking the proper steps after a truck accident is essential for protecting yourself and your chances of gaining fair compensation when another’s negligence leaves you paying for the damage. Knowing what to do and what not to do can determine how your truck accident claim plays out.
After a truck accident, you should not:
- Admit fault
- Apologize to other people involved
- Post about the accident on social media
- Speak with an insurance adjuster
- Forgo seeing a doctor.
Steps you should take after a truck accident include:
- Staying at the scene
- Cooperating with law enforcement
- Saving copies of the police report and medical documents
- Saving bills and receipts related to the accident
- Contacting a truck accident attorney
- Letting your attorney communicate with the insurance company.
One of truck accident victims’ most significant mistakes is handling the insurance claims process without consulting a truck accident attorney in Reno. Doing so can hurt your chances of compensation after any accident. Gaining truck accident compensation involves additional work on a lawyer’s part, especially if the truck driver or company policies do not adequately cover the damages.
Our team of reliable attorneys can help increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Truck Accident Attorney FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions clients ask at the beginning stages of a truck accident claim:
Do I need a truck accident attorney to gain compensation after a truck accident?
You need an experienced attorney to gain fair compensation after a truck accident. The policies and procedures used by insurance companies are designed to save money by minimizing claims payouts. You will likely receive only a fraction of what you deserve without a lawyer negotiating on your behalf.
Will a truck accident lawyer take my case to court?
Most truck accident cases are settled through negotiations. If an insurance company does not come close to your terms, your lawyer may file a lawsuit. However, filing does not necessarily mean you must go to court and await a verdict. Simply filing a case shows an insurance company that you are serious about taking legal action if they do not work with you.
What is the cost of a truck accident attorney in Reno?
Truck collision lawyers work on a contingency basis; you pay us directly out of the compensation we win for you, and payment is only due once your case is complete.
How our truck accident attorneys can help you
A truck accident is often a life-changing incident that leaves the victim with long-term health challenges and significant medical debt. Don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate the truck accident claims process without our experienced lawyers on your side.
Our team of lawyers is adept at personal injury law. We also have a background in insurance law, meaning we know insurance policy standards. Our attorneys excel at interpreting policies to a client’s advantage in ways that insurance companies struggle to fight back against.
We can use industry knowledge against them because we deeply understand the legal implications of a policy’s terms. Therefore, we have the attorney for your case if you need a legal professional to help you advocate for a fair hearing and fight for your due compensation. Do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Get help from Leverty & Associates Law
At Leverty & Associates Law, we understand how devastating truck accidents can be and the unscrupulous nature of some insurance companies. Therefore, when you come to us, we dedicate our time and resources to fighting for your interests and helping you get a favorable outcome.
With us representing you, you can focus on recovering and returning to your life. Our initial consultations are free, so contact us in Reno at (775) 322-6636 to schedule one and get started on your case.