After a minor truck accident, you may be wondering whether or not you need to hire an attorney. While you can likely handle everything on your own and recover money for your damages after a minor crash, consulting a lawyer is probably still going to be in your best interest. This is because many accidents are not as minor as they seem.
Some injuries are not immediately apparent after a crash. Without legal representation, you may end up accepting a settlement offer soon after your accident so you can move on. If you later discover that you have damages you were not aware of at the time, the acceptance of the deal will bar you from pursuing further compensation.
At BDIW Law, we have helped countless accident victims recover the compensation they need after a crash. We have also seen many cases where a victim came to us too late and was unable to pursue the compensation they required. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer Following a Minor Truck Accident
Hiring an attorney can give you the peace of mind that you are protected even if your truck accident was minor. While you might be able to recover the money you need on your own after a minor accident, working with an experienced attorney will help ensure that you are protected even if you suffered greater damages than you believed.
Your lawyer can deal with the insurance company and protect you from agreeing to a deal before all the facts of your case are evident. They can also ensure you receive the medical attention you need to ensure that all injuries you incurred are known.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYThe Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident
If your minor truck accident turns out to be more serious than you thought, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the liable party. It is critical to understand the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. In Oklahoma, victims typically have two years from the date of the crash to file.
However, you may be permitted to take legal action even if the standard deadline has already passed. In cases where the injuries you suffered are not immediately apparent, the clock may not begin until the date your damages are known.
On the other hand, a deadline could sneak up on you if you don’t hire an experienced attorney soon after your crash. Some circumstances can significantly reduce the amount of time you have to submit the proper paperwork.
Truck Accident Lawyers don’t Get Paid Unless They Get Results
Hiring a truck accident attorney is risk-free. You won’t have to worry about digging yourself into a deeper hole by owing your attorney more money than you recover from the liable party. These attorneys only receive a fee for their services at the end of your case. The money paid to your lawyer is in the form of a set percentage of the compensation you receive.
If your lawyer fails to secure money on your behalf, they won’t get paid. With this system, you shouldn’t shy away from consulting an attorney because you believe your accident is minor.
Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident
If the truck accident you were involved in was truly minor, you will be limited in the damages you can claim. For a minor fender bender, you may only be eligible to recover property damage for the repair costs to your vehicle.
However, if you suffered a more serious injury as a result of your accident, the types of damages and amount of money you can claim will grow significantly.
Economic Damages
You will likely be eligible to pursue property damage even in a minor accident. However, other economic damages may also be available if you were injured. Economic damages are any losses you suffered that were financial in nature. Some of the other most commonly available economic damages after a truck accident include:
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning ability
Non-Economic Damages
You likely won’t be able to collect non-economic damages after a minor accident. These damages cover all the other losses that result from an accident. Some of the most commonly available non-economic damages after a truck accident include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
Punitive Damages
Even in major accident cases, punitive damages are rarely awarded. These damages are reserved for situations where the action or inaction of the liable party was particularly egregious.
Punitive damages differ from the compensatory damages listed above in that they focus on punishing the at-fault party rather than replacing the losses of the accident victim.
Get a Free Consultation from an Oklahoma Truck Accident Attorney Today
No matter the severity of your accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney. At BDIW Law, our team of truck accident lawyers has handled all sorts of truck accident cases. We can advise you of your legal options and ensure that you don’t miss out on any compensation you are entitled to.
Don’t risk your financial future by offering a settlement before speaking with an Oklahoma truck accident lawyer about your case. For a free consultation, reach out to us today by phone or through our website. We will review your case and answer any questions you may have.
