Do I need a lawyer if I was in a California truck accident?

It is an unfortunate reality that, as long as vehicles travel the roadways of Los Angeles, there will be car accidents. Although the occurrence of these car accidents can likely be decreased through efforts put forth by authorities and other groups, accidents always happen whether they are a result of negligence or just pure mishaps. However, the question that many may ask themselves after getting into a car accident is whether they should hire an attorney to help them through the difficult times.

There are numerous ways in which an attorney can help after an individual has been in an accident, especially those accidents involving commercial motor vehicles. These types of accidents can be especially complicated as there is a specific set of federal laws that apply specifically to drivers of commercial vehicles and the companies that employ them.

According to FindLaw, even if an individual driving a passenger vehicle is partially at fault for the occurrence of the accident, they can still obtain assistance from an attorney. If the individual has still suffered injuries, they may be able to sue for compensation even if they are partially at fault. Nonetheless, this is only true in a comparative negligence state. The negligence theory each state follows varies, so it is important to speak with an attorney to understand how negligence impacts recovery in a specific state.

A truck accident attorney will also help the injured individual determined who all of the potentially responsible parties are after an 18-wheeler accident. It is important to understand all of the parties that could potentially be held responsible so that the injured parties can obtain the maximum amount of compensation to which they are entitled. Some of the less obvious responsible parties may include employers, insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers and trucking companies.

An attorney that is experienced in this area of law can assess the situation, and help their client understand their options. Understanding which option is best will likely help them obtain the best possible outcome.

Source: FindLaw.com, “Should I Get a Truck Accident Lawyer?,” accessed on Sept. 1, 2014