Sibley Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

 Throughout the broad highway systems, trucking accidents can cause significant disruption, frequently resulting in serious injuries for those involved. In these chaotic scenarios, trucking injury lawyers serve as unwavering supporters, providing guidance and assistance to survivors. These legal experts are adept at navigating the complex terrain of trucking regulations.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

You do not need to hire an attorney for every car accident case. Here are some examples of when you may not need to:

1. Only Property Damage: If you only sustained property damage to your vehicle and the insurance company for the other driver has taken care of it.
   
2. Minor Injuries: Your injuries are minor and only required minimal medical care and treatment. If you hire an attorney in a case like this, you may be paying a portion of your settlement to the attorney for no good reason.
   
3. Fair Settlement: You are able to reach what you consider a fair settlement with the insurance company. However, ensure you have everything in writing, including who is paying for your outstanding medical bills, who is repaying your health and/or car insurance, etc.

When You Should Consult an Attorney

In many cases, you should at least consult with an attorney before signing forms or giving a statement to the insurance adjuster. Examples of these cases are:

1. Hospitalization: When you have been hospitalized for your injuries.
   
2. Surgery: You required surgery to treat your injuries.
   
3. Permanent Injuries: You have permanent injuries caused by the car crash.
   
4. DUI: The other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common Mistakes by Self-Represented Individuals

People who represent themselves often make the following mistakes:

1. Low Offers: Accepting an offer that was far too low and then finding out they had to pay back their health insurance from the money they received, leaving them with no compensation for their injuries.
   
2. Policy Limits: Accepting the policy limits for the other driver without verifying by affidavit that this is the only coverage available and that the other driver does not have assets to attach.
   
3. UIM Coverage: Failing to contact their own insurance company to obtain compensation for underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

Benefits of Hiring a Qualified Car Accident Attorney

A qualified Iowa car accident attorney can:

1. Protect Your Rights: Ensure your rights are protected under Iowa law.
   
2. Handle Insurance Companies: Handle contact with all the insurance companies on your behalf.
   
3. Maximize Recovery: Find all applicable insurance policies to make the best recovery possible for you.
   
4. Medical Expenses: Handle contact with subrogation companies, hospitals, and other medical providers to maximize the money in your pocket after dealing with medical expenses.
   
5. Legal Advice: Provide experienced advice about the case's worth and represent your interests in court if necessary.

When a Delivery Driver Causes a Commercial Truck Accident

According to an Iowa Truck Information Guide published by the Iowa Department of Transportation, a delivery truck is considered a commercial vehicle. When an accident involving a delivery truck or another commercial vehicle type occurs, the injuries are often very serious. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Iowa, here’s what you need to know about recovery and liability:

Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

In most cases, one of two parties will be held liable when an accident involving a commercial vehicle occurs:

1. The Driver: If the driver of the truck is an independent contractor, the driver may be held liable.
   
2. The Company: If the driver is an employee of the trucking company, the company will usually be held liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.

In some cases, neither the driver nor the trucking company will be held liable, such as when a product malfunctions or a defective part on the truck caused the crash. Instead, the manufacturer, shipper, or the party responsible for loading the truck’s cargo may be held liable.

Proving Liability

To prove the negligence of the at-fault party, examples of negligence may include:

- Failing to perform an inspection of or maintenance on the vehicle.
- Improper loading of cargo.
- Impaired driving.
- Speeding.
- Aggressive driving.
- Failure to adhere to traffic laws.

Semi Truck Accidents: Insurance Companies, Damages, Liability

No matter what type of Iowa truck accident you have experienced, you are likely dealing with significant medical bills and lost wages. To seek financial restitution, your first step is to contact an Iowa truck accident lawyer.

Seeking Damages After an Iowa Semi Truck Accident

To fight for damages after an Iowa truck accident, you will have to file a truck accident claim with the responsible insurance company. Be aware of common insurance industry tricks, such as:

- Underestimating Claims: An insurance adjuster who underestimates the value of your claim.
- Delayed Investigations: An insurance adjuster who delays an investigation to frustrate you into accepting their settlement offer.
- Medical Professionals: An insurer that uses its own medical professionals to downplay your personal injury or claim that you had a pre-existing condition.

If the insurer refuses to pay you what you deserve, you may have to pursue compensation in an Iowa truck accident lawsuit. In this lawsuit, your lawyer can represent your interests in a formal court of law.

Determining Liability After an Iowa Truck Accident

To determine liability, you must prove the defendant's negligence caused your personal injuries. You may be able to claim damages from several responsible parties, including:

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

An Iowa truck accident lawyer can investigate your case to determine liability and represent your interests, allowing you to focus on recovery instead of dealing with insurance adjusters and tedious settlement negotiations.

Types of Fatal Semi Truck Accidents

The five most common types of fatal truck accidents include:

1. Underride Accidents: Smaller passenger vehicles drive underneath large commercial trucks.
   
2. Override Accidents: Larger commercial trucks drive over a smaller vehicle, motorcycle, or pedestrian.
   
3. Jackknife Accidents: The trailer folds into the truck when a semi suddenly hits its brakes.
   
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.