Copyright © 2024 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.
The benefits of a Maryland truck accident lawyer can help you overcome the challenging complexities inherent in the legal process. After several decades of practice in Maryland, we have had countless clients reach out to us after they have tried first to handle their cases themselves. There are several reasons why a client may give up on handling it independently of an attorney. First, the complexity of the legal process can be overbearing. There are complex civil procedures in every case. While one may initially think they can research the answers to any questions, issues quickly arise when a Maryland policy mixes with a DC defendant in a Virginia truck. There are also the things that laypeople do not immediately realize. For example, PIP may be available in your case even if you do o not have your own insurance.
Moreover, the benefits of a Maryland truck accident lawyer arise when you realize the legal stakes of your injuries. Especially for a truck accident case, several hundred thousand dollars may be at stake. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to value both past and future damages, both economic and non-economic. Failing to account for all damages is a common mistake to avoid. Additionally, it can be challenging to deal with insurance companies. Individuals handling their cases might be outmatched in negotiations, leading to inadequate settlement offers. Remember, insurance companies are in business to maximize profits; this means minimizing payouts for claims.
Now that we have covered many reasons claimants avoid handling a case themselves, we will explore the benefits of a Maryland truck accident lawyer.
Reason number one for why to hire an attorney may be for our investigative resources. For a truck accident law firm, investigating accidents and uncovering evidence is a part of our job. We hire a private investigator to take it one step further if necessary. But in most cases, our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts who understand the dynamics of truck accidents. Not only can they reconstruct an accident, but they can testify at trial as an expert witness. Our experts also implement strategies such as obtaining and securing evidence that trucking companies might otherwise obscure, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and employment history. These are key components of establishing liability against a trucking company.
For example, proving that a driver is per se negligent because they exceeded the hours they should have spent on the road can be decisive at trial. Or, if their truck is over the legal limit, this can be compelling evidence to a jury when discussing injuries and damages. Of course, our attorneys also work with police and other investigative agencies and anything else that is a cost-effective means of obtaining valuable evidence for your case.
The benefits of a Maryland truck accident lawyer extend to guidance throughout the legal process. When you are sitting at home, whether it is trying to do work or nurse an injury back to health, the last thing you want to do is communicate with your health insurer, your auto insurer, the auto insurer for the other driver, coordinate doctor appointments, get your vehicle repaired, and everything else you need to get done. We are here to streamline this process. Our attorneys handle all communications between you and the insurance companies. We will coordinate your doctor appointments to ensure that you are getting the best care available and that they will see you as soon as possible so you do not have to sit at home in pain.
Throughout the legal process, you will encounter legal jargon, sometimes referred to as “legalese.” We will interpret this jargon and provide actionable advice on what steps to take, ensuring you understand the implications of each decision. This comes through in the settlement process the most. You may feel that a settlement offer represents your injuries or at least is a number that would satisfy you. Whether to accept a settlement offer is always your decision. However, it is our job to explain what your case is worth and whether it is advantageous to keep negotiating towards a higher settlement or take the offer on the table. There are times when you should take the offer and times when you should push ahead to trial. We will help you identify these moments and explain the consequences of any decision.
While the benefits of a Maryland truck accident lawyer do not extend to emotional support per se, our services do alleviate stresses surrounding the legal process. This allows you to focus your attention on your recovery and well-being. Additionally, our support includes regular updates about the case’s progress, immediate responses to concerns, and compassionate handling of sensitive information. Past clients are honored to have informed us that we were a pillar of stability.
There are countless ways a truck accident can impact your future. We discuss a couple of the most common ways below.
A truck accident can affect a victim’s health, finances, and lifestyle. One of the benefits of a Maryland truck accident lawyer is we account for that in our representation and case evaluation. While at times complex, considering the longer-term impact of an injury is among the most important parts of legal representation after a truck accident. A severe injury can affect the trajectory of your life. You may be unable to work after your injury. Some truck accident attorneys may only cover your past lost wages after your accident. However, a skilled attorney will consider any impact on future damages. Suppose you work in construction. A back injury may affect you for the rest of your life. If you are only 30 at the time of the accident, you may believe you can tough through your back pain. And for the next few years, you probably can.
However, if you plan to be in construction for the next 35 years until retirement, that back injury may plague you for the rest of your career. As your attorney, it is our job to compensate you for that effect today. Once you accept your settlement check and sign your release of liability form, any future right to make a claim evaporates. If the insurance company refuses to compensate you for any future damages, we must consider the possibility of filing a lawsuit in a Maryland state court.
There are a couple of ways you can suffer a noneconomic injury from a truck accident that affects you for years to come. The most obvious way is if you lose a limb. We have represented clients who have had their arms or legs crushed. Of course, this has an emotional impact on a claimant and affects every possible aspect of your life. Another of the most common instances of pain and suffering as a future damage relates to scarring. Particularly if you are a younger adult and the scar is on your face, possibly from a shard of glass cutting your face from a broken window, that can impact your life for the rest of your life. The value of your case should reflect this.
Contact our office today for a free consultation and case evaluation at (202) 331-7227.
Copyright © 2024 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.