An accident with a semi-truck in Utah can be a crushing experience because such trucks weigh about 20–30 times more than passenger cars. A loaded truck needs a distance of about 30% more than passenger cars to come to a halt. Federal laws limits drivers to drive up to 8 hours at a stretch, and long hours can make them weary and prone to accidents. An accident with a semi-truck can cause serious injuries that can take years to heal and cost a fortune in medical bills.
People’s friends or families that were involved in or witnessed a semi-truck accident caused by a negligent truck driver usually have several questions. The most common questions were recently answered by the lawyers at White and Garner.
Q: How much does a semi-truck accident lawsuit cost in Utah? I am running short on cash and would not like to spend the little I have on legal fees.
A: Well, when it comes to semi-truck accidents, Utah’s attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay a dime unless we win the case.
We help you organize your medical records, build the case, negotiate with third-parties, and help max out the compensation that is legally and rightfully due to you. We only get paid after the win.
Q: What is the process you follow? Will your investigations or negotiations place me in any jeopardy?
A: There is no question, absolutely no chance, of any jeopardy – we are lawyers, we follow the law. Our processes are engineered to determine the compensation that is legally due to you and help you get it.
Our processes involve examining the accident site, ascertaining facts, contacting witnesses, collecting evidence, and obtaining and analyzing the accident report. And then we determine who was at fault and begin work on your injury claim.
Q: Do you file the lawsuit when the victim is hospitalized in order to save time?
A: We wait until you have completed your medical treatment. Experienced semi-truck accident lawyers in Utah know that it takes time to create a case that has a solid chance of succeeding. We urge all accident victims to be patient as we build up the case.
Q: What happens after you compile all the documents and finish making the case?
A: We send a demand to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. After that, the negotiations begin. If you are not satisfied with the final offer, you will have to file a lawsuit. This takes time, and requires patience. The judicial system has a lot of great qualities but speed is not one of them.
Q: What is the typical compensation I can get from the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
A: Utah semi-truck accident lawyers typically analyze both economic and non-economic damages suffered by the victim. They account for the following costs in your claim:
- Medical costs, which include hospital bills, drugs, tests, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Salary lost – this is a tricky one, because the victim may not be able to work again. But rest assured, the lawyers at White and Garner in Utah will do their best to ensure you get what is rightfully due to you.
- Expenses related to psychological trauma – like depression, panic attacks, anxiety, etc., are also factored into your claim.
- In case of fatal accidents, the victim’s family is entitled to medical and final expenses. Plus, if the victim’s family was financially dependent on him, then their livelihood expenses are provided for in the claim.
Q: Who is responsible for compensating the victim? Is it just the semi-truck driver?
A: It depends on the circumstances. The driver may not be the only responsible party. The company that owned the truck – a case of vicarious liability, and other drivers that caused the accident, can also be held responsible depending upon the circumstances of the case.
Q: Sorry for asking this in the end, but what are the first steps that should be taken after an accident?
A: Seeking medical attention and contacting the legal enforcement agency are the first steps. These can be followed by contacting a Utah semi-truck accident attorney like White and Garner, and if possible talking to witnesses, taking pictures of the accident scene. You are also required to safely store all documents related to the accident – medical, correspondence with employer/insurance company, etc.
Do not give any recorded statement or answer any questions raised by the insurance company without speaking to your attorney. Also, do not settle for the first settlement offer without running it past your lawyer.
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Hiring an experienced Utah semi-truck lawyer can help you increase the value of your claim by at least 300%. An experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, and transition back to living the way you were before the accident.
