When it seems obvious that a truck accident occurred due to negligence, most injured victims question the wisdom of acquiring legal counsel. For example, say the truck driver in a crash was intoxicated. With the fault so clear, why do you need a lawyer to acquire compensation?
Injury attorneys perform a variety of critical tasks in truck accident claims. Most victims are neither qualified nor willing to perform these tasks alone. Examples of the ways a lawyer can help include the following.
Working through comparative negligence
Tennessee is one of several states that recognizes comparative negligence in injury cases. This means that if you are more than 50% at fault for a crash, then you will walk away with nothing. A lawyer can investigate the incident in-depth and help you prove that you bore no fault at all or less than 50% of the blame.
Identifying all responsible parties
Sometimes, the trucker is solely at fault for a crash. Other times, the trucking company or an auto part manufacturer may share the blame for a truck accident.
Minimizing the “red tape” on your behalf
As you know, seeking a legal remedy in the wake of a truck accident involves a lot of procedural work. An experienced lawyer can do most of this work in your stead, leaving you free to focus on your recovery.
Maximizing your compensation
In addition to helping you identify who to target in a potential lawsuit, an injury attorney can ensure that all involved insurance companies pay you the compensation you deserve.
In summary, legal guidance improves the odds of acquiring the most favorable outcome as well as the highest amount of compensation. Before striking out on your own with a claim, consider learning more about how an attorney can help.