Truck accidents are often gruesome. They result in serious injuries, excruciating pain, and lifelong consequences. When it's time to file a claim for damages, many common myths leave victims feeling uneasy about taking legal action.
Conducting research is crucial before filing truck accident claims, and those who have been injured because of the negligence of a driver, trucking company, or third party must ensure that they have access to the right information.
In this article, we will talk about some of the most common truck accident myths in Iowa.
Myth 1: Insurance Companies Treat Claimants Fairly
Many people fall prey to the sweet talk, believing that insurance adjusters are on their side. While it may seem like they are assessing the case objectively, the reality is that they are looking for ways to get out of having to pay the claim.
After all, an insurance company is a business, and payouts reduce their profitability. So, they will look for any loophole to avoid having to give injured parties the amount they deserve to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Myth 2: Insurance Claims Are the Only Way to Get Compensation Following a Truck Accident
The truth is that many truck accident victims are left with debilitating injuries. Trucks are much heavier than passenger cars, so when a regular vehicle collides with an 18-wheeler, there is a greater force of impact.
This has devastating consequences for the occupants of the passenger vehicle. They are often left with broken bones, punctured organs, internal bleeding, spinal cord defects, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious consequences.
Iowa law requires all motorists to have insurance, so the chances are that the other driver is insured. Moreover, if the victim has underinsured motorist coverage, they may have access to some compensation from their own insurance company.
While an insurer may offer a decent payout for those with minor injuries, it will not cover the cost of future medical care or lost income that most truck accident victims face. Filing an Iowa truck accident lawsuit is often the best option in such cases because it ensures that injured persons receive the amount they deserve.
Compensation often includes both economic and non-economic damages, which offer payouts for pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.
Myth 3: It's Okay Not to Contact an Iowa Truck Accident Lawyer As Soon As Possible
Iowa's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date the incident occurred. Many people believe that it's okay not to contact their lawyer until the last minute. This is the wrong approach for a number of reasons.
Obtaining Advice from a Lawyer Early on Can Be Incredibly Valuable
Firstly, when a victim knows that they will take legal action against the truck driver, getting advice from personal injury lawyers can be incredibly beneficial. They will be able to go over common car accident myths in Iowa as well.
They will encourage their client not to post about their injuries on social media, for example, which can hurt their chances of getting compensation. When victims try to do things on their own, they could lower their chances of securing a favorable outcome.
It Gives the Legal Team Enough Time to Prepare
Secondly, attorneys need time to prepare. Filing a personal injury claim doesn't just involve completing paperwork. There is often a lot of work that goes into these cases. Attorneys must conduct an investigation into the truck crash, gather evidence, contact witnesses, and more.
Witnesses Can Forget
Obtaining eyewitness statements shortly after the accident can be critical to the success of the case. After two years, it's likely that people at the scene would have forgotten many of the details of the incident, which can work to the claimant's disadvantage.
Myth 4: Any Truck Accident Lawyer Will Do
Victims can choose anyone to represent them. However, if they want to win their case, then any truck accident attorney will not suffice.
Claimants should look for legal representatives who are:
Experienced,
Knowledgeable,
Compassionate,
Highly-rated, and
Able to negotiate.
Tom Fowler Law is a trusted personal injury law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. We have served thousands of clients and won millions of dollars in settlements. Injured parties can trust our team to offer rigorous legal representation. We can provide information on common motorcycle accident myths in Iowa too.
Myth 5: The Other Driver Is Always Held Liable for the Damages
In truck and car accidents, it's usually the other driver that is at fault. However, this is not always the case. The truth is that the trucking industry is huge, and there are many people or companies that can be held liable for a victim's medical expenses.
If the loading company did a poor job packing the cargo into the truck, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, causing a serious crash. In that case, the contractor responsible for loading the vehicle will be held liable.
Similarly, if the trucking company fails to conduct timely repairs on a vehicle and this causes an accident, it will have to pay the victim's damages.
There could also be multiple at-fault parties, so it's always a good idea for victims to consult an experienced lawyer.
Myth 6: Attorneys Are Too Expensive
As we have already explained, hiring an attorney could make or break a truck accident case. However, many people avoid taking legal action because they believe that advocates are too costly.
The reality is that most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they take a percentage of the settlement and are not paid unless their clients are.
Instead of having to outlay cash in order to enlist the services of a legal representative, claimants can simply offer payment once the job is done. Yes, this means that personal injury attorneys are not paid unless their clients are. For more information, a Des Moines semi accident lawyer may be able to help.
Tom Fowler Law Is Here to Help
Obtaining fair compensation is often the lifeline many victims need in order to make a full recovery. However, this starts with excellent legal aid. Tom Fowler Law is a trusted personal injury firm with the expertise to ensure that claimants get the justice they deserve.
Those who would like to know what their options are can contact Tom Fowler Law for expert guidance and rigorous legal representation.
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