A vehicle accident is scary, frightening, and awful. When that wreck results in the death of your loved one, it is one of the hardest things in life to go through. If it’s because of a truck driver or company’s negligence, it’s unconscionable. While you might want to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties, the thought of that might feel insurmountably difficult. You know it will be a long, uphill battle, and will take lot of mental and emotional preparation. Truck companies can be ruthless in dealing with accident victims, and will be trying to discredit you or simply fluster and frustrate you when you’re grieving, and just trying to stay afloat after a loved one’s death. The help of Bill Coats Law, and Bill Coats, a compassionate, empathetic and tough lawyer experienced with these kinds of claims, can take a huge load off your shoulders.
When accidents between semi-tractor trailers and smaller vehicles occur, it’s not uncommon that someone dies. Usually, it is the person in the smaller vehicle who bears the effects of the giant weight and force these trucks hold. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of such a catastrophic accident, Bill Coats can help. Just call, 360-303-0601.
How Can I Prove my Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim?
It is highly unlikely that a truck company of any size will agree upfront to pay the kinds of settlement you or any accident victim would consider fair. They are a big company, you are a person or family, and they have a host of departments and experts whose job it is to assess accidents their trucks or drivers are involved in. They’ll be using all their resources to pay the least amount possible in order to protect their bottom lines. Sometimes this means ruthless, or even underhanded tactics. Claimants are typically dealing with an incredibly complex process, lots of paperwork, calls to multiple people, long hold times – all things that mount frustration. Many people in this situation would feel discouraged and want to give up. But working these kinds of claims is exactly Bill Coats’ job. He won’t be vulnerable to their tactics like the victims are, and the truck companies know it. He knows how to find the evidence to build and support your case.
Imagine having to pour through these things on your own, as you grieve the loss of your loved one. Witness statements. Medical records. Finding experts to testify, and collecting their testimony. Combing through police and accident reports when all you want to do is focus on mourning and healing. There may be camera footage that can be critical to your case, or a trucking company’s logs and records. They won’t be giving that up without a fight. Past violations, potential legal violations at the federal or state level, maintenance records, and knowledge of potential vehicle defects. Trucking companies have the ability to hire people whose job it is to deny claims. That doesn’t work for Bill Coats Law.
If I have a wrongful death lawsuit, what kinds of damages may I be due?
- Economic: medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, benefits, and loss of inheritance. If the claimant who died was responsible for the job of child-rearing and managing the home, there can be compensation for the costs of child care services.
- Noneconomic: One might think that there’s no figure that could compare to the loss of companionship and love, care and protection, or the pain and suffering and mental anguish survivors experience. But in the legal world, these do have a price. That money can help you reclaim your life, even though it can never fully replace what you lost.
- Punitive: If gross negligence was a factor in someone’s death there can also be money from punitive damages.
Don’t wait to begin this process. If you are reading this page, it’s because you need legal support. Call Bill Coats today, at 360-303-0601 or email him here.