When to Contact a Big Rig Accident Lawyer

The moments after a truck accident can be confusing. One moment, you were traveling peacefully in your car. The next moment, you are on the side of the road, in great pain. Typically, people in this situation are much more concerned about getting medical attention than anything else. It may be days or even weeks before they consider contacting a big rig accident lawyer.

Is it okay to wait that long or is that too late? Why is a big rig accident attorney important, and when should you contact a lawyer after an accident?

The Importance of Legal Representation After a Big Rig Accident

A corporate insurance company insures every big rig driver. These companies typically prefer to deal with insurance claims as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they are likely to deal with you fairly.

Many insurance companies will try to find ways to deny your claim or devalue it. You may receive an offer that looks good on paper, especially when you are facing large medical bills. However, it is likely much lower than the full value of your claim.

An experienced personal injury attorney can accurately calculate the true value of your claim, even when it involves catastrophic injuries. This experience keeps you from getting cheated by the insurance company. Furthermore, big rig accident lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies in ways that you cannot.

Legal Steps to Take After a Big Rig Collision in Wyoming

Legally, you are required to share information with the other driver and speak with the police after an accident. This should be done as soon as possible. However, if you are seriously injured, that takes priority over everything else. The police can just as easily get your contact information at the hospital after you are evaluated and treated.

The most important legal step you can take is to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will guide you through the claims process and help you with any bureaucracy.

Once you are represented by a lawyer, they can complete all legal steps for you. This may involve filing a lawsuit, depending on how cooperative the insurance company is.

Common Challenges in Big Rig Accident Cases

Wyoming big rig accidents present some interesting challenges. The first challenge is that you are likely to suffer very serious injuries. This may make it more difficult for you to assist your lawyer. Our legal team deals with this challenge by visiting you in the hospital if necessary and taking control of as much paperwork and bureaucracy as possible.

Another common challenge is that the driver likely doesn’t live in Wyoming, and the company they work for probably also isn’t located in the state. This can slow down the legal process and maybe even settlement negotiations.

Wyoming Laws and Regulations

Commercial truck drivers in Wyoming need to have a commercial driving license (CDL). Getting this license requires significantly more training than getting a standard driver’s license.

Truck drivers are also held to federal standards when driving a big rig. Those standards limit how many hours the driver can drive each day and each week. When drivers violate these standards, they become liable for any accidents they are involved in.

Benefits of Hiring a Skilled Lawyer for Big Rig Accidents

Most people know the steps they are supposed to take after a car accident. For example, if you are involved in a car crash in Wyoming, you are supposed to contact the police, stay until the police arrive, and trade contact information with the other driver. However, some of this may be almost impossible to do if you are seriously injured.

Furthermore, most lawyers recommend that you document the accident scene and try to gather the contact information for witnesses. The injuries that you are likely to suffer in a truck accident probably make it impossible for you to do these things. But a skilled lawyer can take the lead.

Typically, your attorney will send skilled investigators to gather as much evidence as possible. They will also help you find doctors who can best treat your injuries and will help you preserve documentation for those injuries. A lawyer who acts quickly and decisively can greatly improve your chances of getting fair compensation.

FAQ

How Much Is My Big Rig Accident Settlement Worth?

That depends on how badly you are injured. The size of a settlement is almost always proportionate to the severity of injuries. Settlement values start at the cost of all medical bills and lost wages and only go up from there.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Wyoming?

You have four years to file a lawsuit after suffering an injury in a truck accident in Wyoming. After that, the statute of limitations runs out, and you can no longer file a lawsuit.

Can I File a Lawsuit if a Loved One Dies in a Truck Accident in Wyoming?

Yes. If your loved one would have been eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, then you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to get compensation for their death. You should contact a lawyer quickly when this happens. Wrongful death cases can quickly become complicated.

Contact a Big Rig Accident Lawyer As Soon As Possible

While you can contact a big rig accident attorney at any point in the claims process, the best time to contact one is as soon as possible after suffering a serious injury in a truck accident. The sooner your attorney starts to work on your case, the better they can help you. Contact The Spence Law Firm if you were badly injured in a truck crash.