A collision between a commercial semi-truck and a four-wheeled passenger vehicle is one of the worst things that can happen on the road. These huge trucks can cause such severe damage to smaller vehicles that the occupants of smaller vehicles are at a significantly increased risk of life-altering injuries in the event of a crash.
Those trying to plan a path forward after experiencing and potentially life-altering collision with a semi-truck will likely find that they need the help of a lawyer to manage the claims process after the crash. Why is legal representation often necessary after a commercial vehicle collision?
More insurance means more negotiations
Large trucks that weigh at least 10,001 pounds or more have to carry far more liability insurance coverage than the average passenger vehicle. Even basic cargo transportation requires a minimum of $750,000 in coverage. That additional insurance helps guarantee that those harmed by commercial trucks can receive appropriate compensation given the scope of the collision.
Unfortunately, the possibility of losing so much money is a major incentive for trucking companies and insurance companies to aggressively negotiate claims related to semi-truck collisions. The average person will not necessarily have the skill to recognize and effectively counter the manipulative negotiation tactics employed by insurance professionals and may end up tricked into accepting far less compensation than they deserve.
The stress of a claim detracts from recovery
One of the most compelling reasons to bring in professional help is that non-lawyers often struggle to handle insurance claims and legal paperwork even in the best of times. When they are also grieving a loved one’s death or coping with significant personal injuries, they will not be in an ideal position to advocate for themselves. Having a professional handle the claims process means that the parties most affected by the crash can devote more of their energy to focusing on their recovery from their injuries instead of on the technical process of pursuing compensation.
The right lawyer will help someone accurately estimate the financial impact of a commercial crash and manage the process of pursuing an appropriate amount of compensation. Having the right support can make all the difference for those adjusting to life after a semi-truck collision.