Truck Accident Lawyer Sioux Falls, SD

What Evidence Is Needed To Prove Fault In A Truck Accident?

Proving fault in a truck accident involves collecting various types of evidence. Key pieces of evidence include the police report, which provides an official account of the incident and any citations issued. Witness statements can offer additional perspectives on how the accident occurred. Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries are also crucial. 

Additionally, obtaining truck driver logs, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) can help establish whether the driver was adhering to regulations. Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments will further support your claim by linking the accident to your physical condition.

How Is Liability Determined In A Truck Accident Case?

Liability in a truck accident case is determined by analyzing the evidence and identifying who acted negligently. This can include the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. For instance, if the truck driver violated traffic laws or was driving while fatigued, they might be held liable. Similarly, if the trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle properly or pushed the driver to exceed legal driving hours, they could be responsible. In some cases, a parts manufacturer might be liable if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident. Our role as your Sioux Falls truck accident lawyer is to thoroughly investigate all potential sources of liability to build a strong case on your behalf.

What Are Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which involve negligence or human error. Common causes include driver fatigue, which can lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. Distracted driving, such as using a phone or eating while driving, is another frequent cause. 

Other significant factors include speeding, impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, and improper loading of cargo, which can affect the truck’s balance and control. Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire issues, also contribute to many truck accidents.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Accident Lawyer?

Many people worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but it’s important to know that most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award you receive. If you do not win your case, you typically do not owe any legal fees. This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without financial strain, ensuring you can pursue your claim with confidence.

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Lawyer?

Choosing the right accident lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Look for a lawyer with experience specifically in truck accident cases, as these can be more complex than standard car accidents. A good lawyer should have a track record of successful settlements and verdicts in similar cases. 

It’s also important to choose someone who communicates clearly and regularly, keeping you informed throughout the process. Client testimonials and reviews can provide insight into a lawyer’s reputation and client satisfaction. Lastly, ensure the lawyer is someone you feel comfortable working with, as a strong attorney-client relationship can make a significant difference.

In conclusion, dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident requires a clear understanding of the legal process and the right support. At The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these challenges. If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact us today to discuss your case with a Sioux Falls truck accident lawyer. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve and move forward with your life.

Compensation Available In Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents often result in devastating injuries, and many people are left permanently disabled or disfigured. The road to recovery is long and painful, with no guarantee of full recovery. You could be left disabled, scarred, or disfigured, and the change in your abilities can affect every aspect of your life, career, and even relationships. You deserve fair compensation for all your losses in a truck accident, economic and non-economic alike. Our South Dakota truck accident lawyer can help you get it. Contact The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP, today for a free consultation.

Economic Compensation Available In Truck Accident Claims

Economic compensation refers to the natural losses from a truck accident, like:

• Medical care, including current needs and projected future care, like a stay in the hospital or skilled nursing facility or surgery

• Prescription medications and pain management therapy rehabilitative therapy, like physical or occupational therapy

• Memory care, if you suffered brain trauma

• Property damage, including repairing or replacing your vehicle and anything of value inside

• Unearned wages from time missed at work, even if you used vacation or sick leave

• Loss of earning potential if you are injured too badly to continue in your current job

• Loss of pension or retirement benefits, if you can no longer continue in the job that provides them

We often employ a forensic accountant to properly value the full extent of your material losses and the impact of your injuries on your ability to secure gainful employment.

Non-Economic Compensation For Truck Accident Victims

Non-economic compensation refers to the non-material, yet still valuable, losses you suffer in a truck accident. The most commonly known type of non-economic damage is pain and suffering from your injuries, although the trauma of a truck wreck often goes far beyond that. You can also demand fair compensation for the following:

• Emotional and mental anguish, including the onset of anxiety or a phobia associated with trucks

• Diminished quality of life

• Disability, scarring, and disfigurement

• Loss of companionship, consortium, and guidance (this refers to damaged relationships with your spouse, children, and family)

Non-economic compensation is calculated based on the value of your economic damages. We often use a “multiplier method” in which we multiply the amount of your tangible damages by a number from 1 to 5, depending on the severity of your injuries. The most severely injured people, those who are unlikely to ever physically recover or who have suffered permanent disability, usually have a multiplier of 4 or 5, while someone who is expected to make a full physical recovery may have a multiplier of 1 to 2. We strive for the highest amount of compensation in each category, as we believe you deserve it.

Do You Need Help After A Semi-Truck Wreck?

If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident with a commercial truck or semi, we want to help you secure fair operation for all your losses. At The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP, we have the in-depth experience and extensive resources necessary to properly value your claim and pursue the maximum compensation available in your case. Contact our offices today for a free consultation with our Sioux Falls truck accident lawyer.