Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced San Diego truck accident lawyer is a wise decision to maximize your chances of a successful recovery. Hiring an experienced attorney removes many potential risks and ensures that all deadlines and procedural requirements are met. Your legal team will also determine the best approach for your particular case, which will be crucial for a successful outcome. Read on to learn more about why you should hire a San Diego truck accident lawyer.
Managing legal affairs on your own after a truck accident
While you may feel comfortable handling your own legal affairs after a truck accident, it is important to contact a Rocklin truck accident attorney for advice. It is important to retain the services of a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident, to preserve any evidence and avoid missing a deadline. Even if you do not intend to file a lawsuit, it is essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The trucking company may attempt to contact you to negotiate settlement or liability, so take down their contact information and tell them that you will need to speak with an attorney.
Calculating damages
There are many ways to calculate the damages that a truck accident attorney can collect on your behalf. Pain and suffering are usually calculated by multiplying medical bills by a number ranging from 1.5 to five. The higher the multiplier, the more severe the pain and suffering is likely to be. Liability will also affect the damages that can be claimed. However, the process for calculating pain and suffering damages is not as difficult as it seems.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are not intended to compensate a victim, but rather to punish the defendant for their misconduct and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Usually, these damages are awarded only when the defendant acted with a deliberate disregard for the safety of others. However, the vast majority of big rig accidents are caused by driver error. The amount of recovery in these cases will vary from case to case. A lawyer with experience representing victims in truck accident cases will be able to determine if punitive damages are appropriate.
Filing a wrongful death claim
The loss of a loved one in a San Diego truck accident can be emotionally and financially devastating, and the family of the deceased is entitled to compensation. A wrongful death lawsuit, also known as a survival action, asserts claims for damages the victim would have sought had he or she lived. The family of a deceased truck driver may also be able to bring a wrongful death claim.