Centerville Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

 In the expansive world of highways, trucking accidents can cause major upheaval, frequently resulting in life-changing injuries for those involved. During these chaotic moments, trucking injury lawyers serve as firm advocates, providing support and direction to survivors. These legal specialists excel in navigating the complex domain of trucking laws and regulations.

Truck Accident Insurance and Why Conduct Accident Investigations

There are significant differences between a truck accident and one involving only passenger cars. Not only are injuries potentially more serious if a large truck is involved, but the process of filing a claim can also be more complex, often requiring proof of the trucking company’s negligence.

Truck companies have their own insurance providers who aggressively defend their clients. These insurers often use investigators to conduct accident investigations. Victims of truck accidents may benefit from an Iowa personal injury attorney who can offer legal representation and help conduct a thorough investigation.

Reasons to Conduct a Truck Accident Investigation

The insurer for the trucking company may use various tactics to diminish the value of a claim or deny it entirely. This makes it essential to preserve and collect all available evidence. Much of this evidence, such as employee records, maintenance logs, and hours of service records, must be obtained from the truck company. Unfortunately, there can be efforts to alter or destroy this evidence. Trucking companies are required to hold hours of service records for six months.

Securing an attorney can help in these situations. An Iowa personal injury attorney can send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, indicating that necessary documentation, devices, and records must be preserved for a thorough investigation.

Other Reasons to Hire an Iowa Personal Injury Attorney

It's important to understand that the insurance company is not obligated to act in the victim's best interest. Without fully understanding their rights, victims might be misled. For instance, they might be asked to sign paperwork that could harm their claim. Additionally, insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly, offering amounts that might not cover future medical and other expenses adequately. An attorney can help prove the truck company’s negligence and ensure a fair settlement after a truck accident.

You vs. The Insurance Company: 6 Little-Known "Secrets" to Getting a Fair Settlement

1. Know Your Facts and the Law
   Handling a case independently requires understanding the facts and how Iowa laws apply to them. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle cases for less than fair value. They may use friendly tactics or claim your case is weak to convince you to settle. Knowing your rights and the law can prevent this.

2. You Do Not Have to Give a Recorded Statement
   In most cases, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. In accidents with police reports, refer the adjuster to the report and your medical records. For underinsured or uninsured motorist claims, consult an attorney before giving any statement.

3. Always Tell the Truth
   Honesty is crucial. Insurance companies have access to databases with information on prior claims. If you lie about previous claims, it can hurt your case.

4. Ask About Insurance Coverage
   Ask the adjuster how much insurance coverage is available. They may hesitate to disclose this information, preferring to keep it hidden. Knowing the coverage can help in negotiating your claim.

5. Avoid Making Threats
   Threatening the adjuster is counterproductive. They are trained to handle anger and have legal teams ready to defend against lawsuits. Threats can reduce your case's value.

6. Research Your Case's Value
   Know how much similar cases in Iowa have settled for to negotiate effectively. Without this information, it is challenging to settle for a fair amount.

Semi Truck Accidents: Insurance Companies, Damages, Liability

No matter what type of Iowa truck accident you have experienced, significant medical bills and lost wages are common. The first step in seeking financial restitution is to contact an Iowa truck accident lawyer.

Seeking Damages After an Iowa Semi Truck Accident

To pursue damages, you must file a truck accident claim with the responsible insurance company. The insurer will send an adjuster to evaluate your damages, but remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company and not in your best interest. 

Common insurance industry tricks include:

- Underestimating the claim's value.
- Delaying the investigation to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement.
- Using their medical professionals to downplay injuries or claim pre-existing conditions.

If the insurer refuses to pay what you deserve, you may need to pursue compensation through an Iowa truck accident lawsuit. A lawyer can represent your interests in court.

Determining Liability After an Iowa Truck Accident

In an Iowa truck accident lawsuit, proving the defendant's negligence caused your injuries is crucial. You may claim damages from multiple parties, including:

- The truck driver.
- The trucking or shipping company.
- The safety director of the company.
- The vehicle inspector.
- The truck manufacturer.

An Iowa truck accident lawyer can investigate to determine liability and represent your interests, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Common Types of Fatal Semi Truck Accidents

The five most common types of fatal truck accidents include:

1. Underride Accidents - Smaller vehicles drive underneath large trucks.
2. Override Accidents - Larger trucks drive over smaller vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians.
3. Jackknife Accidents - Occur when a semi suddenly brakes, causing the trailer to fold into the truck.
4. Head-On Collisions
5. Rollovers

Contacting Walker, Billingsley & Bair

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our team is committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis and manage all necessary documentation and communications.

Walker, Billingsley & Bair is prepared to act fast to defend your rights after a truck accident in Iowa. Contact our office at 641-792-3595 to speak with an attorney.