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Do I Need a Lawyer After a New York Truck Accident?

After being involved in a truck accident, many people ask whether they need an attorney to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. In New York, you are not under any legal obligation to hire an attorney for a truck accident case. However, it’s in your best interest to retain an experienced truck accident attorney. Below is a look at why you need a lawyer after a New York truck accident.

Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Other Cases

Truck accident cases involve multiple layers of complexity that are not usually seen in other cases, including;

Multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance company, and cargo loaders
Complex federal and state regulations, such as those enforced by the FMCSA
Substantial damages, meaning insurance companies often fight harder

These complexities make it challenging to handle a truck accident claim alone without legal help. You might feel overwhelmed by the process. If you handle your case alone, you will also be at a greater risk of being exploited by insurance companies.

Truck Accidents Require Thorough Investigations

After a truck accident, it is necessary to investigate not only how the accident happened but also the factors that led up to the crash. An attorney can help with these investigations. They can;

Review the truck driver’s logbook
Investigate the driver’s employer for violations
Review vehicle maintenance records
Investigate how the cargo was loaded and secured
Obtain and review electronic records, such as black box data

An experienced New York truck accident attorney can determine the factors that led to the accident.

Identifying all Liable Parties

Liability is rarely straightforward in a truck accident case. Multiple parties may be to blame for a truck accident. Through a thorough investigation, an attorney can help identify all liable parties. Liable parties in a truck accident case may include;

The truck driver
The company the driver works for
The cargo loading company
The maintenance company
The manufacturer or distributor of a defective part that contributed to the accident

Insurance Companies Have Their Best Interests in Mind

Even if an insurance adjuster seems friendly or helpful, it is crucial to remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to maximize the company’s profits, and they usually do that by minimizing payouts. An attorney can help protect your interests. They can assess your claim’s true value and negotiate aggressively for the compensation you deserve.

You May Not Know All the Damages You Are Entitled To

Often, truck accidents lead to devastating injuries and substantial damages. You may be entitled to more damages than you realize. In a New York truck accident case, the following are some of the damages you may be entitled to;