Who Pays for Damages in a Car Accident? 3 Reasons Why You Need an Accident Lawyer on Your Side

Car accidents are extremely stressful, and even after a minor accident where no one was hurt, you may be left wondering who's responsible for covering property damage. In severe cases, car accidents can result in serious injuries or worse, and associated medical bills and other expenses can be financially crippling. Truck accidents can be especially devastating, and fatal crashes most frequently occur in rural areas and on highways. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 450,000 accidents involving commercial trucks in 2017, and 23% of these crashes resulted in injuries with 1% being fatal.

In the majority of accident cases, the insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for paying damages. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, it should be possible to have your own insurance pay for it. In the case of a commercial vehicle crash, the truck driver will likely be insured through their trucking company. Twelve states have no-fault auto insurance laws that require all drivers to submit a claim through their insurance, although they may sue for medical expenses or damages exceeding certain monetary thresholds. It's certainly understandable if you're unsure how to proceed after an accident, and there are several reasons you may want to seek help from a full-service law firm.

You Suffered an Injury or Disability

The best reason to hire an attorney is when you've suffered severe injuries in an accident or perhaps even permanent disability. You need experts on your side to ensure you get the fair compensation you deserve for medical treatment, especially when there could be a lifetime of suffering on the line. This is especially true if you've been injured in a semi-truck accident case. According to Miller & Zilos, a Baltimore truck accident lawyer, "the trucking industry is a $600 billion dollar business, and these companies have qualified counsel at their disposal to vigorously fight suits from those that have been hurt or the families left behind in death cases." You'll need an experienced law firm that knows the finer details of the legal system to fight for the best settlement possible.

Truck accidents can easily result in spine problems like sciatica. This is an issue where a herniated disc or bone spur can pinch the sciatic nerve which runs through the lower back and separates before moving down the buttocks and legs. The most common symptom of sciatica is severe pain, but numbness, weakness, and tingling sensations are also possible.

Your Claim Has Been Delayed or Denied

You'll naturally need to file a claim with your auto insurance company shortly after your accident to received compensation for damages. If you've suffered a personal injury, you'll need to file a separate claim for that as well. Of course, insurance companies make their money by not paying out for claims, and there are many reasons a claim can be outright denied or at least delayed. It's possible to appeal a denial on your own, but at this point, it's often best to seek legal representation. An attorney will have a full understanding of the claims process and will be able to advise you on the best way to move forward.

You Don't Know Who Was At Fault

Not all accidents will have a clear at-fault driver, or both drivers may be responsible for the accident. In these cases, you can rest assured the other party's insurance company will try to blame you for the accident, and it will be best for you to have a legal team acting in your interests when that happens. While accident claims are typically settled out of court, if it comes to it, having experienced trial lawyers on your side will help ensure you receive the fairest treatment possible.