Being involved in a truck accident in Utah can be devastating. Given that trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds in the United States, it is no surprise that people involved in these accidents can sustain severe injuries. If you were in a Utah truck crash, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your losses. Understanding the steps of a truck accident lawsuit is vital to its success.
Filing an injury claim in Utah can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with the state’s personal injury laws. If you are considering filing a lawsuit for your truck accident, contact the accident attorneys at Feller & Wendt. We can guide you through the lawsuit steps and help you receive financial compensation.
Steps to Take at the Truck Accident Scene
In Utah, those involved in accidents must report the crash to the police if the crash caused more than $1,500 in property damage. Additionally, those involved in the collision must notify local law enforcement if anyone involved in the collision sustained an injury or died. Regardless, you should still contact the police after being in an accident with a truck, even if there were no apparent injuries or property damage. A police report documenting the accident may also aid in your claim.
Furthermore, it may help if you photograph the accident scene. Take pictures of both vehicles and all damage. This will help to document the position of the car and truck, as well. This may be able to prove who was responsible for causing the crash. Additionally, take photos of your injuries. It will help prove their extent to an insurance company.
Work with a Utah Truck Accident Lawyer
The next step in a Utah truck accident lawsuit is to work with a truck accident lawyer. Remember, just because a truck hit you does not mean you have a personal injury case. To obtain compensation for your losses, you must prove that the other party acted negligently and that their negligence was the cause of your injuries. An attorney can thoroughly review your accident to determine whether you have a case.
Additionally, there might be multiple negligent parties involved in a trucking accident. The driver might work for a trucking company, and the company may be liable if they overwork drivers, do not provide adequate training, or do not conduct background checks. If the trucker works with a loading company, workers may be liable for an accident if cargo comes loose and hits your car.
File a Lawsuit against the Liable Party
If your attorney determines that you have a claim, they can help you file a lawsuit against the negligent party. There are many rules and regulations when filing a Utah injury claim, and you do not want to risk a judge dismissing your case over a misinterpretation or missing a deadline.
In most personal injury cases, you only have four years to file a personal injury claim in Utah. While that may sound like a lot of time, it can take even more time to gather evidence and interview witnesses. You should also focus on your recovery during this time. By focusing your attention on obtaining compensation from the negligent party, you risk worsening your injuries. An attorney can take the pressure and stress of a truck accident lawsuit off your hands while you recover.
Negotiate a Settlement with the Insurance Company
Your attorneys can negotiate a settlement with the insurance companies before and after they file a lawsuit against the liable party. It will be best if you always have an attorney present when negotiating settlements. Insurers know that medical bills and property damage costs quickly add up, so they offer low, initial settlement amounts. These initial offers usually only cover a few weeks’ worth of bills. However, an attorney can counter insurers’ offers to ensure you receive proper compensation to cover your accident-related expenses.
If the insurance company continues to send low offers, your attorney may suggest taking your case to court. When this happens, you can be confident that the truck accident attorneys at Feller & Wendt will defend you in court and aggressively present your case.
Obtain Legal Assistance from the Truck Accident Attorneys at Feller & Wendt
If you were in a truck accident in Utah, contact Feller & Wendt. Our truck accident attorneys will work with you one-on-one to better understand the accident and what led up to it. We can help you identify the liable parties and file a lawsuit against them.
Our attorneys dedicate themselves to ensuring that accident victims receive fair compensation when another party’s negligence caused their injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call (801) 499-5060 or complete our contact form.
