Benefits of a DC Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you should retain the assistance of an experienced and local attorney. A truck accident lawyer could help you find proper medical treatment, investigate the crash, collect evidence, and help you hold the negligent driver accountable for damages. Reach out to learn about the benefits of a DC truck accident attorney.
Recovering Medical Expenses
The injured party may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses as long as the client has medical treatment, and there is a record of all treatment related to the accident itself. The liable party is responsible for those expenses. If the injured party goes to a hospital or an emergency room right after the accident, there will be a record or bill of the incident. The attorney representing the injured party could request copies of the itemized statements and records from the providers.
The records would have to show that the treatment was related to the accident itself. That would all be part of the final claim presented to the carrier. Which would also include physical therapy bills and chiropractic care if that applies. Or any other medical expenses, including prescription expenses that are related to the injury claim. Wage loss documentation would also be presented. And then there would be a lump sum offer of settlement made. If the settlement was going to be forthcoming. Then, the offer would include reimbursement for all medical expenses, as well as lost wages and pain and suffering.
How Are Medical Expenses Paid Off?
The at-fault liable carrier is not going to pay for medical expenses directly. Rather, everything would be sent to the attorney once a settlement is agreed upon. Then, the attorney would be responsible for making sure everything that is still due is paid, as well as paying the lien holders. Additionally, the attorney will ensure the injured claimant is also compensated. This would be up to the claimant to accept or deny the offer.
Additionally, if there is any first party medical coverage available, such as Personal Injury Protection coverage (PIP) or medical payment coverage on the car that the claimant was travelling in. This would be available prior to the resolution of the third-party liability claim. And that would reimburse the injured party for medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses incurred prior to final settlement.
What Is An Expert Witness?
Expert witnesses are necessary at times to prove who is at-fault in the accident or who is liable. An expert witness may also be required regarding injuries, the extent of injuries, and the causal connection of the injuries and bills to the accident itself. This is because a layperson is prohibited under the rules of evidence from giving their opinion as to either how an accident happened, their injuries, and whether surgery for their injuries is required. A lawyer will rely on expert witnesses to make those distinctions.
A common type of expert witnesses that are used in a truck accident case is a medical doctor. The medical doctor would have to be qualified. The plaintiff’s attorney will ask questions, including what is the educational background of the expert and their experience with truck accident cases. Both sides, including the plaintiff and the defendant’s attorney, would have to agree that the witness is qualified as an expert.
Another common type of expert witness is an accident reconstruction expert or an engineer. Those experts may discuss and testify about how the accident happened or why the defective product caused the accident. All of that is part of a typical truck accident claim for injuries in Washington, DC.
What Factors Can Influence The Overall Length Of a Case?
The length of a case depends on several factors, such as the severity of the crash and who is involved. In a side litigation, a case may last from 18 months to 30 months. A lawyer would try to settle the case before taking it to trial. Ultimately, it would be up to the injured claimant to determine whether they want to settle the claim or litigate it.
Let a Truck Accident Attorney Help Your Case
Truck accident cases can be extremely complicated, especially without legal help. Fortunately, a diligent DC truck crash attorney could help. Schedule a consultation today to learn about the benefits of a DC truck accident lawyer and how they could help you seek compensation.