It is never good when a commercial truck hits another vehicle on the road. The outcome could be even worse when a truck crashes into the side of a car, as such areas do not provide a lot of protection against impact. A driver or passenger could suffer catastrophic injuries, or even death.
Side-impact truck accidents in Pasadena can leave you in need of legal support as well as medical care. An experienced truck accident attorney could determine who is liable for the damages you have incurred and help you pursue compensation.
Possible Causes of Side-Impact Truck Accidents
A truck driver could cause a side-impact crash in Pasadena by driving negligently, including behaviors such as:
- Driving drowsy or distracted
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield right-of-way when turning onto a street
- Not paying proper attention when pulling out of a parking spot
- Speeding and failing to come to a complete stop at a red light
Side-impact wrecks, also called T-bone crashes, often happen at intersections. A lawyer could investigate the crash scene and obtain evidence, such as photos or videos of the crash, to help establish liability.
Building a Case in a Side-Impact Truck Accident Case
Gathering evidence and determining the cause of a Pasadena side-impact truck accident is only one element involved in filing a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney must build a strong case, showing fault and linking the accident to the victim’s injuries. This could be accomplished using police reports, witness statements, and careful analysis of the accident scene.
A lawyer will also need to determine the full extent of damages suffered by the injured individual. Catastrophic injuries typically produce substantial medical bills and ongoing treatment needs. Injuries could also require time off work, resulting in lost wages and the loss of future earning ability. The injured person may also experience severe pain and suffering and emotional distress, including PTSD and loss of enjoyment of life.
An experienced attorney could add up all the damages caused by an accident, including disfigurement, permanent disability, and property damage, to seek full and fair compensation for those harmed.
Insurance Company Settlements
Unfortunately, a trucking company’s insurance provider may try to settle with the injured individual right away by offering a minimum settlement. While this may seem acceptable at first, it is vital to contact a lawyer before accepting any insurance settlement. A low settlement may not be enough to cover all necessary medical costs following a Pasadena T-bone truck accident, and filing a lawsuit could provide more compensation.
Hiring a skilled lawyer who understands insurance company tactics and the ways trucking companies protect themselves could make a huge difference in the amount of compensation one receives.
Talk to a Pasadena Lawyer About Side-Impact Truck Accident Claims
The lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP want to help you receive the compensation you deserve. We work diligently to investigate side-impact truck accidents in Pasadena and hold the liable party accountable for the damages they caused.
If you need a legal advocate on your side to build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies, contact our team to schedule a free consultation.
