When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the consequences are often devastating. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, commercial trucks pose a significant hazard to other drivers on the road. If you suffered damages in a collision with a large truck, you could be entitled to compensation.
Dickman Law has years of experience helping truck accident victims recover the money they need to rebuild their lives after an accident. Reach out by phone or through the online contact form on this website to schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney in Columbia.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Columbia, MO Can Help
A truck accident attorney can help with every aspect of your case as you pursue compensation after an accident. Some of the steps your attorney is likely to take include:
- Investigating the crash to establish fault and gather evidence in support of your claim
- Determining which damages apply and calculating their value
- Filing the necessary paperwork with the at-fault party’s insurance provider or the court
- Completing all the steps of the pretrial process
- Negotiating with opposing counsel in an attempt to come to terms on a settlement deal
- Representing you at trial
With an experienced attorney handling your legal case and protecting your financial future, you can focus on your health. Stress can slow the healing process, so feeling secure that your case is being handled by a professional can help you heal quickly.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Columbia, call 573-744-4878
How Truck Accident Attorneys in Columbia, MO Charge Their Clients
Truck accident lawyers and other personal injury attorneys charge their clients in a different manner than most other lawyers. Instead of making clients pay an expensive fee to retain their services, along with charging a high hourly rate, these attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means your lawyer’s fee will be directly tied to the compensation you receive.
Once your case has reached its conclusion, you will pay your attorney a fixed percentage of the money you recover from the liable party. This fee is the only pay your lawyer will receive for their services.
With this payment system, you can feel confident that your attorney will do everything they can to ensure you recover as much money as possible. While a large settlement or court-ordered payout means a significant payday for your attorney, failure to secure compensation on your behalf means your Columbia, MO truck accident lawyer works for free.
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Recoverable Damages After a Truck Accident
After suffering a severe injury caused by a commercial truck, there are a variety of damages you will likely be able to recover. All compensatory damages that apply to your case are split between economic and non-economic damages. Additionally, certain truck accident cases may also qualify for punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover all of the financial losses you incur as a result of your collision. Common economic damages in a truck accident case include:
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Property damage
- Necessary modifications to your home or vehicle
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover all the rest of the losses you suffer due to your accident. Because these damages are not financial, assigning a monetary value to your losses can be challenging. Most non-economic damages are profound and irreversible. Because of this, the money awarded for these losses is usually substantial.
Common non-economic damages in a truck accident case include:
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
In a small percentage of truck accident cases, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages are only assessed when the liable party is deemed to have acted in a criminally negligent manner or with the explicit intent of causing harm. Punitive damages are focused on punishing the at-fault party rather than compensating the victim for a specific loss.
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File Your Truck Accident Lawsuit on Time
Missouri has one of the longest personal injury statutes of limitations in the country. If you were involved in a truck accident in Missouri, you have five years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Despite this extended timeline, it is best not to delay. Hiring an attorney early will put them in the best position to collect evidence and build your case.
Another reason to get started early is that the circumstances of your case may trigger an exception to the statute of limitations. An exception could mean that you actually have far less than five years to file. Hiring an attorney soon after your accident will allow them to identify if any exceptions apply to your case and ensure your lawsuit gets filed on time.
You should also note that exceptions work both ways. Even if the five-year period has passed, you should consider discussing your case with an attorney. Depending on the specifics surrounding your accident, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit.
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Consult with a Columbia, MO Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement Offer
Insurance companies will go to great lengths to deny or devalue a claim. One of the tricks they commonly use is to approach potential claimants with a settlement offer before they even file a claim. While they present this as a helpful gesture aimed at getting you back on your feet quickly, it is really a tactic to hopefully get to you before you hire an attorney.
The amount the insurance adjuster offers in this settlement deal is likely only a small percentage of the true value of your claim. However, if you accept this deal, you will be forfeiting your chance at recovering further compensation once the actual value of your claim becomes evident.
By hiring an attorney shortly after your accident, you can force the insurance company to play fair. An experienced attorney will be able to counter all of the tricks the insurer is likely to employ and level the playing field.
Contact a Columbia Truck Accident Attorney to Get a Free Consultation
After a truck accident that results in a serious injury, securing compensation can be critical as you attempt to put your life back together. Dickman Law has a long history of helping truck accident victims recover compensation from the liable party.
Reach out by filling out the online contact form on this site or by phone to schedule a free case evaluation with a truck accident attorney in Columbia, MO.
Call or text 573-744-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form