Van Meter Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

The broad expanse of highways often sees trucking accidents resulting in major disruptions and severe injuries. In such tough circumstances, trucking injury lawyers provide essential support, offering survivors guidance and advice. They are experts in the complex framework of trucking laws and regulations.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car crash, you may wonder, "Why would I hire a car accident attorney?" While not every car accident case requires legal representation, there are significant benefits to hiring an attorney in many situations. Here's a detailed look at when and why you should consider hiring a car accident attorney.

When You May Not Need an Attorney

Not all car accidents necessitate the involvement of a lawyer. Here are scenarios where you might manage without legal assistance:

1. Property Damage Only: If your accident resulted in only property damage and the other driver's insurance has covered the costs, an attorney might not be necessary.
2. Minor Injuries: If your injuries are minor and required minimal medical treatment, hiring an attorney may not be cost-effective.
3. Fair Settlement: If you can reach a fair settlement with the insurance company on your own, you might avoid legal fees. However, ensure that all agreements are in writing, including who will cover outstanding medical bills and insurance repayments.

When to Consult with an Attorney

In more serious cases, consulting with a car accident attorney is advisable before signing any forms or speaking extensively with insurance adjusters. Consider consulting an attorney if:

1. Hospitalization: Your injuries required hospitalization.
2. Surgery Required: You needed surgery to treat your injuries.
3. Permanent Injuries: The accident caused permanent injuries.
4. DUI Cases: The other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common Mistakes by Self-Represented Individuals

Representing yourself can lead to critical mistakes, including:

1. Low Settlement Offers: Accepting an offer that's too low and later discovering it doesn't cover your health insurance repayments or provide adequate compensation for your injuries.
2. Policy Limits: Accepting the policy limits of the other driver without verifying all available coverage. Proper verification requires sworn affidavits from the other driver and their insurance company to uncover any additional coverage, such as umbrella policies.
3. UIM Compensation: Failing to contact your own insurance company for underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) compensation. Insurance contracts have specific steps that must be followed to receive UIM benefits.

How a Qualified Iowa Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A skilled attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Here's what an experienced Iowa car accident attorney can do for you:

1. Protect Your Rights: Ensure your rights are protected under Iowa law.
2. Handle Insurance Communication: Manage all communications with insurance companies to avoid mistakes and reduce stress.
3. Identify All Insurance Policies: Find and pursue all applicable insurance policies to maximize your recovery.
4. Manage Medical Expenses: Handle interactions with subrogation companies, hospitals, and other medical providers to ensure you receive the most money after medical expenses.
5. Provide Expert Advice: Offer experienced advice on the value of your case and represent you in court if necessary.

Truck Accident Insurance and Why to Conduct an Accident Investigation

Truck accidents differ significantly from those involving only passenger cars, often resulting in more severe injuries and complex claims. Proving the trucking company's negligence is essential, and conducting a thorough accident investigation is crucial.

Reasons to Conduct a Truck Accident Investigation

Insurance companies for trucking companies aggressively defend their clients and use various tactics to diminish or deny claims. Preserving and collecting evidence is vital, and much of this evidence must be obtained from the trucking company, such as:

- Employee records
- Maintenance records
- Hours of service records

Trucking companies are required to keep hours of service records for six months, but there can be efforts to alter or destroy evidence. An Iowa personal injury attorney can send a spoliation letter to the trucking company to ensure necessary documentation is preserved for investigation.

Other Reasons to Hire an Iowa Personal Injury Attorney

Victims of truck accidents may not fully understand their rights, and insurance companies may exploit this. They may request the victim to sign paperwork that could harm the claim. Additionally, insurance companies often try to settle quickly for amounts that may not cover future expenses.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations for Commercial Truck Maintenance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, enforcing rules for commercial truck maintenance. Truck companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles to ensure safety.

Examples of FMCSA Truck Maintenance Regulations

FMCSA regulations require:

- Recordkeeping: Detailed records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
- Violation Corrections: Correction of any violations or defects noted on roadside inspection reports.
- Post-Trip Inspections: Reports at the end of each driving period.
- Periodic Inspections: At least once every 12 months.

FMCSA Regulations for Inspectors

Certain inspections must be conducted by qualified individuals. For example, brake inspectors must have adequate training and experience, and truck companies must keep evidence of these qualifications on file.

Important Equipment for Truck Safety

Key equipment that must be properly maintained includes:

- Brakes
- Lights
- Reflectors
- Windshield wipers
- Steering mechanisms
- Emergency equipment
- Tires and wheels
- Horn
- Rearview mirrors
- Coupling devices

All inspection, repair, and maintenance records must be kept at the vehicle's garage location and for six months after the vehicle is sold or scrapped. If poor maintenance causes an accident, the truck company can be held liable for injuries.

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.