If you have been hurt as a result of a collision with a truck, you need to take steps to protect your legal rights. Many trucking companies are insured by policies with large limits, designed to protect truck drivers in a variety of situations.
An attorney can be a great resource if you need help settling a DC truck accident case. Speak to a seasoned DC truck accident lawyer to learn about litigation strategies that will maximize the compensation you can receive.
The first step to maximizing compensation in a DC truck collision is to document the claim. This involves taking photographs and videos, writing notes about the details surrounding the accident, and contacting any witnesses to the accident.
A DC truck accident lawyer can assist with the investigation by placing a physical hold on the truck to preserve evidence that might be needed at trial. An attorney can also request a deposition of the other parties involved.
A deposition is a pretrial discovery tool attorneys utilize to learn more information about a case. During a deposition, an attorney is permitted to ask questions of the witnesses, adverse party, and adverse experts.
The answers to the questions given at a deposition become sworn testimony that can be used for impeachment purposes at trial. An individual who answers a question posed at a deposition differently at the time of trial can be cross-examined as to why the answer has changed.
A DC truck accident lawyer should speak with the insurance company on behalf of the accident victim at the very beginning of the process of settling a DC truck accident case. The lawyer may have other cases with the insurance company and can leverage an ongoing relationship to a faster settlement.
The lawyer can also avoid common mistakes that accident victims make, like taking the first settlement offered or agreeing to give a recorded interview.
A DC truck accident lawyer understands the nuances of the adjuster’s role in the case and will take the steps necessary to maximize a victim’s compensation.
A claim can be resolved in a variety of ways including:
Parties can resolve a case by agreement at any time prior to trial via settlement. There are several types of settlements. A lump-sum settlement is a large, one-time payment, while a structured payment is spread out over a longer period.
A settlement is usually a known result and ensures that the plaintiff will receive a sum of money, while at trial there is no guarantee that the plaintiff will receive anything at all.
A full jury trial is a long and risky solution to resolving a claim. Court cases generally take years to reach trial because discovery must be completed beforehand. In addition, courts generally have hundreds, if not thousands, of cases on their docket that need to also be resolved.
Trials are costly because experts and doctors have to be retained to testify; these individuals often charge thousands of dollars per day. Trials can also take a long time depending on the complexity of the case.
Mediation and arbitration are methods utilized by parties in truck accidents to resolve disputes. They are often faster and less expensive than traditional litigation options.
Deciding if settling a DC truck accident case is your best option is a difficult decision to make alone, but a lawyer can help you, no matter what decision you make. If you have been hurt in a DC truck accident, call an attorney and know that you are in good hands.
