If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you should retain the assistance of an experienced 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.
The injured party may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses if the client has medical treatment and there is a record of all treatment related to the accident. 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. 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 related to the injury claim. Wage loss documentation will also be presented. Then, a lump sum settlement offer would be made if the settlement was forthcoming. Then, the offer would include reimbursement for all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The at-fault liable carrier will not pay for medical expenses directly. Instead, once a settlement is agreed upon, everything will be sent to the attorney. They will then 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. It 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 is traveling in, the claimant was this would be available before the resolution of the third-party liability claim. This would reimburse the injured party for medical and out-of-pocket expenses incurred before the final settlement.
Expert witnesses are sometimes necessary 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 on how an accident happened, their injuries, and whether surgery is required. A lawyer will rely on expert witnesses to make those distinctions.
A medical doctor is a common expert witness in a truck accident case. The doctor must be qualified. The plaintiff’s attorney will ask questions about the expert’s educational background and experience. Both sides, including the truck accident plaintiff and the defendant’s attorney, must 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. That is part of a typical truck accident claim for injuries in Washington, DC.
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 18 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 or litigate the claim.
Truck accident cases can be highly 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.
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