How Long Do Truck Accident Investigations Take?
If you’ve been injured by a truck driver or a trucking company’s negligence, you’re entitled to compensation. In response, you’ll file your claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider, and you can expect the investigation of your claim to take a considerable amount of time. A speedy investigation could take a few months, but the more serious the accident, the more time will be needed, and investigations might extend for many months or even a year.
Working closely with an experienced truck accident attorney at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland from the start, however, will help to keep your claim moving smoothly forward and toward a favorable resolution for you.
Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident Case
A primary consideration in every truck accident claim is proving negligence, which is likely to apply to the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. To demonstrate that the at-fault party was directly responsible for the injury-causing truck accident, you’ll need evidence, which can take the following forms:
- The testimony of eyewitnesses
- Digital download of the Event Data Recorder black box from the involved vehicles
- Photographic and video evidence captured by dashcams, security cameras, traffic cameras, and bystanders
- Physical evidence, such as skid marks on the road, paint transfer from vehicle to vehicle, damage to your vehicle, and how your vehicle landed in relation to the truck
- The police report and any traffic citations that were issued
- Expert testimony from an accident reconstructionist outlining what caused the collision
Your focused truck accident lawyer won’t merely rely on the insurance company’s investigation but will conduct their own investigation to gather and compile the evidence necessary to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Determining the Full Scope of Your Damages
Your settlement will be based on your related losses, so accurately assessing their full scope is a key component of your investigations. We are not a “quick settlement” firm. Accepting a settlement offer before your complete medical losses have been established will negatively affect your recovery and your future. We work the case until you are made whole for your losses, no matter how long it takes.
How Insurance Companies Investigate Accidents
You shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the insurance company will also be investigating the accident. They will seek to minimize or deny your claim altogether if possible. Often, they achieve this by partially blaming you for the crash.
The less information you share with an insurance company, the better. In fact, looking to your skilled truck accident attorney to make a statement on your behalf is advised. It’s also in your best interest to stay off social media until your claim has been settled, as investigators might look at your profiles for anything they can misconstrue to challenge your injuries or losses.
Protecting Your Claim During the Investigation Process
The truck accident attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland recognize how important your claim is to your future, and we are well prepared to bring the full force of our impressive experience in pursuit of an optimal outcome. Contact us online or call 770-887-1209 today.