Filing a Claim for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Bethlehem, PA
From trucks traversing Pennsylvania on I-78 to trucks making deliveries in Bethlehem, 18-wheelers are an everyday presence on local roads. Unfortunately, this means that 18-wheeler accidents are a very real concern for local residents. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you will want to consult with a Bethlehem truck accident attorney promptly.
7 Important Facts for 18-Wheeler Accident Victims and Their Families
Here are some more important facts about filing a claim for truck accident in Bethlehem:
1. It Is Important that You Take Action Promptly
First and foremost, it is important that you take action promptly. When it comes to investigating the cause of a truck accident and collecting the evidence needed to prove liability, time is often of the essence.
This is not to say that it’s already too late if you didn’t contact an attorney immediately—you should talk to a lawyer no matter how long it has been since the accident. Also, there will be some forms of evidence (i.e., the truck’s maintenance records and the truck driver’s driving log) that your attorney will only be able to obtain through the formal discovery process. But, generally speaking, the sooner you take action, the easier it will be for your attorney to protect and prove your legal rights.
2. Getting the Medical Attention You (or Your Loved One) Needs Should Be Your Top Priority
While it is important to take legal action promptly, getting the medical attention you (or your loved one) needs should be your top priority. Many of the injuries that are common in serious truck accidents—including spinal cord injuries (SCI) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)—require a prompt diagnosis and treatment in order to mitigate the risk of permanent consequences.
Documenting the timing, cause and extent of your (or your loved one’s) injuries will be important for preserving your 18-wheeler accident claim as well. If the insurance companies have grounds to question whether any injuries or medical costs are truly a result of the accident, this can make it more difficult to fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
3. Hiring a Bethlehem Truck Accident Attorney Costs Nothing Out-of-Pocket
While many people have concerns about the cost of hiring an attorney, hiring a Bethlehem truck accident attorney costs nothing out-of-pocket. As a result, and due to the substantial and long-term costs that can result from serious 18-wheeler accidents, it can be far more cost-effective to have an experienced attorney on your side.
With no out-of-pocket cost legal representation, you only pay legal fees and costs if your truck accident claim is successful. In this scenario, your legal fees and costs will be deducted from the amount your attorney helps you recover. If your claim is unsuccessful for any reason, you owe nothing.
4. Your Attorney May Be Able to Help if You Can’t Afford Your Family’s Medical Bills in the Short Term
If you, like many people, cannot afford to pay unexpected medical bills from an 18-wheeler accident, your attorney may be able to help. In many cases, healthcare providers will accept a “letter of protection” from a patient’s attorney in this scenario.
A letter of protection guarantees that your medical bills will be paid out of your settlement or verdict if your 18-wheeler accident claim is successful. If this is something you’d like to discuss, a Bethlehem truck accident attorney at our firm will be more than happy to explain this option in greater detail.
5. Medical Bills Are Just the Start of the Costs You Are Likely to Incur
Serious 18-wheeler accidents can leave victims facing substantial losses. Unfortunately, your medical bills are just the start of the costs you are likely to incur. Prescriptions, medical supplies and transportation costs can all add up quickly—and they can continue adding up for a very long time.
Accident victims may also suffer significant loss of income during the recovery process or due to permanent disabilities, and the trauma of a serious accident can lead to various non-financial losses as well. These are all losses that an experienced Bethlehem truck accident attorney can help you seek to recover.
6. Most Successful 18-Wheeler Accident Claims Settle Without Going to Court
We want to be abundantly clear: There are no guarantees when it comes to seeking a settlement. Trucking companies and their insurers make their own decisions, and no attorney can force them to settle for just compensation.
With that said, most successful 18-wheeler accident claims settle without going to court. When you hire an experienced Bethlehem truck accident attorney to represent you, your attorney will focus his or her efforts on trying to secure a favorable settlement offer as efficiently as possible.
7. But, It is Important to Be Prepared to Go to Court if Necessary
Given that a settlement is not guaranteed, if you decide to file a claim for your (or your loved one’s) 18-wheeler accident, it will be important for you to be prepared to go to court if necessary. If going to court becomes likely, your attorney will walk you through everything you need to know at this stage of your case.
Right now, though, all you need to do is start the process. If you need to speak with an experienced Bethlehem truck accident attorney about your legal rights, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free consultation today.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bethlehem Truck Accident Attorney Today
The attorneys at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC have decades of experience representing truck accident victims and their families across Pennsylvania. If you have questions about your legal rights, we are more than happy to provide you with the information you need to formulate your next steps. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Bethlehem truck accident attorney as soon as possible, call 888-777-7098 or tell us how we can reach you online now.