What to Know About Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Traffic accidents are never a good thing, but a traffic accident with a large commercial vehicle can have more serious implications than other traffic accidents. Large commercial vehicles, including semi-trailers, big rigs, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, 
cement mixers, and more, represent a considerable amount of weight moving at high velocities and a collision with such a vehicle can mean extensive damage. Penn Kestner & McEwen, Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys, have the knowledge and experience to help you through this difficult time.
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Because of this potential for extensive damage, commercial vehicles are required by law to carry much higher insurance coverage. But if you or someone you care about has been involved truck wreck with a commercial vehicle, the insurance adjusters for the opposition will do all they can to minimize or even deny your claim for compensation.
If you are serious about getting fully compensated for your personal injuries you will need an experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer to convince insurance providers to honor their agreements and make the payments due.
What Causes Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Accidents with large commercial vehicles can happen for the same variety of reasons as most traffic accidents. But because of the physics acting upon these large vehicles in motion, there are many other factors that can result in a serious accident.
Driver Error — the driver behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle has a considerable responsibility to preserve the safety of the truck and the other motorists on the roads. Failure to observe safety regulations can cause devastation and death.
Trucking Company — trucking companies are required to follow specific rules and regulations that prevent accidents. But many companies will skirt these rules to maximize their profits and the results of this negligence can be deadly.
Company Who Loaded the Truck — the weight of a fully-loaded 18-wheeler can exceed 80,000 pounds. If this weight has not been loaded and secured properly, control of the vehicle in motion can be lost when moving at high speeds.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers — a commercial vehicle relies on a multitude of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components to get from place to place. If these components are faulty or have not been installed properly, the safety of the vehicle in motion is compromised.
What should I do at the scene of a truck accident?
If you have been involved in an accident it is essential to keep your cool and do nothing that would put yourself or your claim for compensation in danger. Here are some important things to remember.
See to the Safety of Your Passengers and Other Drivers
Turn on your hazard lights! If you are not injured and you feel it is safe to do so, make sure that everyone else involved in the accident is safe and unharmed.
Call Emergency Services
Whether you have been seriously injured or not, it is imperative that you are examined by the medical team in an emergency. Sometimes the injuries you have suffered will not be apparent till much later and by then the damage can be more serious.
Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident
Do not under any circumstances leave the scene of the accident until a report on the accident has been made. The officers who arrive will take the report and then clear you to leave when they are finished. Be sure to get their names, badge numbers, precinct, etc. so you can get a copy of this report later.
Collect Evidence and Talk to Witnesses
Take as many pictures of the accident as you can to document exactly what happened. If you see witnesses who may have observed what happened, get their names and contact information.
Be Very Careful What You Say
Don’t do or say anything that can weaken your claim. Even something as innocuous as an apology can be understood as an admission of guilt.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
1. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
When it comes to handling the complexities of personal injury law and reaching a favorable resolution through negotiations and courtroom battles, experience is everything. Your team of lawyers will be going toe-to-toe with insurance adjusters who make their living by protecting their interests and denying as many claims as they can. It will be essential that your lawyers have experience in investigating, case building, and aggressively defending your interests.
2. FIRM SIZE AND RESOURCES
The size and resources of the firm are also a good indication of their capacity to successfully represent your interests in a truck accident case. It takes plenty of time to pursue such a claim and extensive resources for investigations, expert testimony, and more. You will want to find that perfect balance between a company large enough to handle your case easily, yet still small enough that your case is not lost in the shuffle.
3. FIRM LOCATION
For best results, you will need a commercial vehicle accident lawyer with experience in your location. This will ensure they know their way around the local legal scene and this can go a long way in turning the wheels of justice in your favor.
4. RESULTS IN SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS AND TRIALS
Experience in handling truck accident cases is one thing, but what you really need is a lawyer who has gotten results. When you choose a commercial vehicle accident lawyer look for one with experience in bringing trucking companies and their insurance providers to terms through negotiations and trials.
5. AWARDS AND PEER RECOGNITION
Lawyers can receive rewards and recognition for their professional performance in their respective fields. Be sure to ask about the type of recognition your prospective attorney has received for their work. Of course, a lack of rewards or recognition doesn’t mean their performance is low, but the most successful and strong firms will have these rewards and their results are always impressive.
6. CLIENT REVIEWS
While conducting your research into the best commercial truck accident lawyers, be sure to look over the reviews they have received from past clients. Favor those lawyers who have received high marks for clarity, good communication, and, of course, obtaining compensation for their clients.
7. YOUR LEVEL OF COMFORT
Finally, you will need to feel completely comfortable with your lawyer and reassured that your interests are in good hands. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our Commercial Truck Injury Lawyers at Penn Kestner & McEwen, where they will look over the details of your case and provide you with guidance on what to do next. If you feel a strong rapport with these professionals, this is a good sign to continue with their representation. If not, you may do well to seek assistance from the next option on the list.
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today to Get a Free Evaluation of Your Case
Penn Kestner & McEwen are commercial truck accident attorneys that have the knowledge and experience to help you through your auto accident injury. We can handle cases anywhere in the United States. Contact us today at (651) 224-3833 fill out our online contact form.