A Calgary personal injury lawyer continues to spell out your rights following an accident with a semi-truck or tractor-trailer rig.
In Part 1 of this article, we discussed just how devastating trucking accidents in the Calgary area can be for the individuals involved and their families. Due to their size, accidents involving “semi-trucks” or tractor-trailers that happen at highway speeds almost always lead to serious injuries or even death. The most severe injuries short of those that prove fatal can lead to lifelong debilitations, require years of painful physical therapy to regain limited functions, and can otherwise disrupt your life, your family, and your career in a number of ways.
You also learned that when your injuries occur as the result of a Calgary truck driver’s negligence, you may be able to hold both the driver and the company(ies) they were working for accountable. If repeated bad business practices contributed to the driver’s negligence, the company(ies) who owned the cargo and/or directed the truck driver’s work may also be directly liable. If you are told that you can only receive a settlement if you agree to hold a certain company or companies blameless, you need to contact an experienced Calgary personal injury lawyer immediately.
Here are some other important rights for you to keep in mind following a Calgary trucking accident.
You are Entitled to COMPLETE Compensation for Your Injuries
If you or a family member is injured as the result of negligence or recklessness on the part of another driver, including a truck driver, the law applicable in Calgary says you should “be made whole” insofar as is possible through financial compensation. This means compensation for time you missed from work and any loss in your lifelong earning capability, repayment for any medical and other expenses you incur, and payment for pain and suffering.
Insurance companies may tell you that you aren’t owed compensation for certain things, or that you should settle for a lesser amount. Don’t listen to them—they don’t have your best interests at heart.
You Don’t EVER Have to Talk to a Calgary Truck Company’s Insurance Representative
In fact, not only do you not have to listen to a truck driver’s or company’s insurance representatives; you don’t have to talk to them either. The first time they contact you, tell them they’ll need to discuss things with your Calgary personal injury lawyer, Give them your lawyer’s contact info and hang up the phone. That’s the only time you’ll ever need to deal with them.
You Can Allow a Calgary Personal Injury Lawyer to Negotiate On Your Behalf
Allowing an experienced Calgary personal injury lawyer to negotiate with the insurance companies gives you the best chance at a fair resolution in your case, often without needing to go through the time, expense, and stress of a courtroom trial. Instead of trying to offer as little as possible as they often do with less experienced Calgarians, insurance companies working with experienced plaintiff-only personal injury lawyers will often agree to fair settlements much faster as they know they’ll eventually be reached regardless.
For a free initial consultation regarding your Calgary truck accident case, please contact our office today.