Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. When you’re hurt in a crash with an uninsured truck driver, the situation becomes even more complicated. Not only do you have to recover from your injuries, but now you must navigate the complexities of pursuing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In cases like these, having a Denver truck accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’re facing an uninsured truck driver, here’s what you need to know about your legal options and how an experienced attorney can help you get back on track.
What Happens If the Truck Driver Is Uninsured?
Truck drivers, like all motorists, are required by law to carry insurance to cover any damages or injuries they cause in an accident. However, some truck drivers and their employers may drive without insurance, fail to update their policies, or carry minimal coverage that may not be enough to cover the extent of your injuries. If you’re involved in a truck accident with an uninsured driver, this can make the situation more complicated, but it doesn’t mean that all hope is lost.
Here are the key steps that a Denver truck accident lawyer can guide you through if you find yourself in this situation:
1. Pursuing Compensation Through Your Own Insurance
If the truck driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to seek compensation through your own insurance policy, depending on the coverage you have. Two types of coverage that may come into play in this scenario are:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. If you have this type of coverage, your insurance company will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to the limits of your policy. Keep in mind that UM coverage can vary depending on the state and your insurer’s policies.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
In cases where the truck driver has insurance but not enough to cover the full extent of your damages, you may be able to file a claim under your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This allows you to make up the difference between the other driver’s insurance payout and the true cost of your recovery.
2. Filing a Lawsuit Against the Truck Driver
If you do not have UM or UIM coverage or if your coverage isn’t enough to cover all of your expenses, a Denver truck accident lawyer may advise you to pursue legal action against the uninsured truck driver. Filing a lawsuit involves holding the driver accountable for their negligence and seeking compensation through the court system.
While suing an uninsured driver may seem daunting, it’s possible to recover compensation through a lawsuit, especially if the driver has assets that can be used to pay a judgment. Your Denver truck accident lawyer will investigate the details of the accident, gather evidence to prove the truck driver’s fault, and help you navigate the legal system to maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement or judgment.
3. Pursuing Compensation From the Trucking Company
In some cases, the truck driver may not be the only responsible party. If the driver was operating the truck as part of their job, the trucking company may also be held liable for the accident. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers follow safety regulations and that the vehicles are properly maintained.
If the trucking company was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, or if the company failed to ensure the truck was in good working condition, they may be held accountable for your injuries. In cases like these, your Denver truck accident lawyer can investigate the trucking company’s role in the accident and help you pursue compensation directly from the employer.
4. Exploring Other Potential Sources of Compensation
In some situations, there may be other parties responsible for your accident, including truck manufacturers or maintenance companies. For instance, if a defect in the truck caused the accident, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Your Denver truck accident lawyer will work to identify all possible sources of compensation, ensuring that you pursue every avenue to get the compensation you deserve.
Why Hiring a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer Is Critical
Navigating an accident with an uninsured truck driver can be difficult, especially when you’re facing significant medical bills and a lengthy recovery process. Here’s why working with a Denver truck accident lawyer from William McBride Law Group can benefit you:
Knowledge of Insurance Policies
Truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the complexities of insurance policies, including UM and UIM coverage. They can help you understand your policy’s terms, file claims with your insurance company, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance adjusters.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
To build a strong case, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This includes collecting evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, and maintenance records. The more evidence your Denver truck accident lawyer has, the better equipped they are to prove the truck driver’s fault and support your claim.
Skilled Negotiation
In many cases, truck accident claims are settled outside of court through negotiation. A skilled Denver truck accident lawyer can handle negotiations with the insurance companies or the truck driver’s legal team to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Litigation Support
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court. Litigation can be complicated, especially when dealing with an uninsured driver or a trucking company, but an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer will guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests.
Get Started Now
While an accident with an uninsured truck driver can be daunting, there are options available to pursue compensation. By working with a Denver truck accident lawyer from William McBride Law Group, you can explore all possible avenues for recovery, whether through your own insurance, legal action against the driver, or a claim against the trucking company.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Contact the experienced attorneys at William McBride Law Group today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.For more information about uninsured motorist coverage and your rights in an accident, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
