Learn How to Protect Your Legal Rights from an Experienced Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer

When you suffer serious injuries or lose a loved one in a truck accident, recovering just compensation is a multi-step process that requires experienced legal representation. When you hire an experienced Columbus truck accident lawyer, your lawyer will take all of the necessary steps on your behalf while helping you make informed decisions along the way.

Even though you will be relying on your lawyer’s representation, it is still important to know what you can expect while your claim is pending. With this in mind, this page covers the major steps involved in the truck accident claims process in Columbus, OH.  

4 STEPS TO PROVE LIABILITY IN A COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENT 

Filing a successful truck accident claim requires evidence of liability. Here is an overview of the four major steps involved in proving liability following a serious or fatal collision involving a large commercial truck:

1. Conducting a Thorough On-Scene Investigation

Following a commercial truck accident, a prompt and thorough on-scene investigation is crucial. Proving liability requires evidence, and the accident scene is a key source of evidence after any type of vehicle collision. Your lawyer will send an investigator to the scene of the accident as soon as possible to collect critical evidence before it disappears.

2. Gathering Evidence from Other Sources

In addition to the on-scene investigation, your lawyer will work to gather evidence from other sources as well. In commercial truck accident cases, this often involves obtaining records from the trucking company. Was the driver properly trained and licensed? How many consecutive hours had he or she spent behind the wheel? The answers to these types of questions can point to driver negligence as the primary factor in your (or your loved one’s) crash.

3. Examining All Possible Forms of Truck Driver Negligence

After conducting an investigation, your Columbus truck accident lawyer will carefully examine the evidence in order to determine what factor (or factors) led to your crash. For example, the evidence may point to forms of truck driver fault including:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Braking harshly
• Falling asleep behind the wheel

These are just a small sampling of numerous driver-related factors that can cause and contribute to serious and fatal commercial truck accidents.

4. Using the Available Evidence to Prove Liability

With a clear understanding of what happened, your lawyer can then use the available evidence to prove that the truck driver was at fault. This may result in an insurance settlement, or it may involve presenting your claim in court. In either case, being able to conclusively prove fault is essential, and this requires the knowledge, skills and insights of an experienced Columbus truck accident lawyer.

4 Steps to Prove the Costs of Your (or Your Loved One’s) Truck Accident

In addition to proving liability, you also need to prove how much you are entitled to recover. The insurance companies are not going to accurately calculate your losses for you. The four major steps involved in proving the costs of a serious or fatal truck accident are:

1. Getting the Treatment You Need

First and foremost, you should get the treatment you need. If you were injured in a truck accident and have not yet seen a doctor, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Not only is this important for your physical recovery and emotional well-being, but it is also important for protecting your claim for just compensation.

2. Documenting Your Financial Losses

As you go through the recovery and coping process, you should do your best to document your financial losses. While your Columbus truck accident lawyer will be able to gather any documentation that is needed, if you can keep track of your costs, this will help facilitate the recovery process. This includes (but is not limited to) costs such as:

• Medical bills
• Prescription and medical supply costs
• Other out-of-pocket costs
• Loss of income and benefits

3. Documenting Your Non-Financial Losses

Along with documenting your financial losses, you should do your best to document your non-financial losses as well. This involves writing down or recording all of the various ways the accident impacts your day-to-day life. Are you in pain? Are you unable to enjoy spending time with your spouse, partner or children? Are you unable to enjoy your hobbies or do work around the house? These are all examples of additional losses for which your Columbus truck accident lawyer may be able to help you recover financial compensation.

4. Calculating the Future Costs of the Truck Accident

Along with documenting your losses to date, recovering the financial compensation you deserve will also involve calculating the future costs of the truck accident. In many cases, these costs will far exceed those that victims and their families incur before filing their claims. With an experienced Columbus truck accident lawyer on your side, you can make sure you are seeking the maximum financial compensation available, and you can rely on your lawyer to fight for a settlement or verdict on your behalf.

Speak with a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer for Free

If you believe you may be entitled to financial compensation for a truck accident (or don’t know and want to find out), we encourage you to contact us promptly. To arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Columbus truck accident lawyer at Malek & Malek Law Firm, call 888-444-7440 or send us a message online today.