I Was Hit by a Construction Vehicle. Do I Need a Lawyer?

Construction vehicle collisions can cause serious devastation as they often result in fatal injuries and substantial property damage. Many people would be surprised to know that construction vehicles are involved in a significant number of accidents each year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 43,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2022. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that work-related crashes cost employers $39 billion in 2019. Not only does this prove how frequently these accidents occur, it also highlights the serious risks associated with sharing the road with these large and powerful machines.

If the person driving the construction vehicle was clearly at fault for the accident, you may not think you need a lawyer to win your case. However, the intricate details of these incidents require focused legal skills and understanding that are typically beyond the grasp of most people. In an effort to secure fair compensation, you should always work with a skilled Tulsa car accident attorney no matter how minor or severe the accident was.

Injuries can worsen over time

When involved in an accident with a construction vehicle, it’s important to understand that the initial rush of adrenaline can mask the severity of your injuries. Adrenaline, a hormone released during times of stress or danger, can temporarily numb pain and create a false sense of well-being. As a result, you may not immediately feel the full extent of your injuries. This can be especially concerning because some injuries, such as internal trauma or whiplash, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time if left untreated.

Even if your injuries initially appear minor, it is crucial to seek medical attention and have a thorough examination as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately visible but can develop into more serious complications if not addressed promptly. By seeking medical care and having your injuries properly diagnosed and documented, you create a stronger foundation for your legal case and ensure that any potential worsening of injuries is properly accounted for—at which point the expertise of a lawyer becomes invaluable. While you may be focused on recovering from your injuries and adjusting to the aftermath of the accident, a personal injury lawyer can advocate for your rights and make sure you receive proper compensation.

Determining liability can be complex

Figuring out who is at fault in a construction vehicle accident can be quite complicated, especially if you share some of the blame. It’s not always clear-cut, and there might be multiple parties involved, such as the construction company, the driver, or even the city responsible for maintaining the road. Determining liability requires careful investigation, gathering evidence, and analyzing the circumstances surrounding the accident. This process can be challenging and time-consuming and may prove to be impossible for someone recovering from accident-related injuries.  Having a lawyer by your side can help navigate these complexities and ensure the best possible outcome, even in situations where fault is not entirely one-sided.

Insurance companies will try to not pay you

Insurance companies play a significant role in construction vehicle accident cases. Their primary goal is to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out for claims. They may employ various tactics to achieve this, such as questioning the extent of your injuries, downplaying the impact of the accident, or even disputing liability altogether. Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators who aim to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Without legal representation, you may find yourself at a disadvantage when dealing with these tactics. A lawyer who focuses on Tulsa accidents involving construction vehicles knows the strategies used by insurance companies and can fight on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and other losses.

Types of compensation you may be awarded for a Tulsa construction vehicle accident

When you’re involved in a construction vehicle accident, there are different types of compensation you may be entitled to receive. These compensations can help you recover from the damages and losses you’ve experienced. They include:

• Medical expenses. This covers the costs of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. It’s important to note that compensation may also account for future medical care, especially if your injuries require ongoing treatment or long-term care.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from working or earning the same income as before the accident, you may be compensated for the wages you’ve lost. Additionally, if your ability to earn money in the future is negatively impacted due to permanent injuries or disabilities, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering. Construction vehicle accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address these non-economic damages, taking into account the pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment you have endured.
• Property damage. If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, compensation can cover the costs of repairs or the fair market value of your property if it is deemed a total loss.

Accurately quantifying and pursuing fair compensation can be a difficult task. Assigning a monetary value to non-economic damages like pain and suffering is not straightforward as it involves subjective factors. Additionally, proving the future impact of your injuries and estimating the long-term costs can be complex. It is important to have a lawyer who understands these challenges and has the experience to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

When it comes to obtaining compensation after an accident with a construction vehicle, having a lawyer by your side can be the difference between a positive and negative overall outcome. They play a crucial role in gathering evidence, building a strong case, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. If you were hit by a construction vehicle in Tulsa, reach out to the team at Biby Law Firm for help. For a free case evaluation, call our Tulsa office or complete our contact form today.