How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large vehicles are more complex than accidents involving other types of vehicles. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who are determined not to accept liability and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will conduct an investigation into the accident and determine who is responsible. They will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some helpful tips to help you get started.
Collecting evidence
Like all crashes an accident involving a truck needs to be thoroughly investigated and documented. This involves gathering evidence at site of the accident, collecting information about witnesses, and taking photographs of the incident. The more evidence you provide to support your claim, the greater your chances of receiving compensation are increased.
The information will be gathered by an experienced lawyer who will work with trucking and safety experts. They will issue spoliation letters to trucking companies in order to preserve any evidence that proves there was a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that led to your accident. Trucking companies usually eliminate these documents when they are under scrutiny by authorities, therefore a prompt response is essential in establishing your case.
The logbook and onboard technology of the truck are two of the most important evidences we gather. This data could reveal a range of things, including the truck driver's fatigue and speed. This information can also be used to determine who is the responsible party for an accident.
This is the reason it is imperative to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Even a month can be detrimental to your case. An experienced attorney can gather evidence and file your claim before the deadline expires.
Seek medical attention
It is important to seek medical attention promptly after an accident. You can treat your injuries while protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster wants to speak to you, be courteous but firm enough to recommend them to your attorney. This will stop them from using what you say against them later on.
If a commercial vehicle gets into an accident, it may cause major damage and even serious injuries. Accidents can happen for many different reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, whereas others are specific to large trucks. Speeding is a common feature of truck drivers. They often travel many miles in a short time and could speed up to reach their destination. Distractions, such as texts, phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming or other activities that take the driver's attention from the road. Stopping distance - larger trucks require more time to stop than cars for passengers.
It is important to preserve any evidence that is found at the crash site. Take pictures of the damage and the 18-wheeler, which struck you and the crash site. Get any witnesses to give a statement in your case. Find their contact details. Get treatment for your injuries, and go to all follow-up appointments. The insurance company could consider your absence to an appointment against you when evaluating your claim.
Get Legal Assistance
In addition to seeking medical care, if you've been in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you should contact an experienced attorney. Hiring an attorney immediately is the best way to safeguard yourself and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting with an attorney. They will attempt to convince you to settle for less than what your claim is worth. While you recuperate, let an experienced attorney deal with the insurance company.
The trucking industry is governed by federal law, state and private laws. This can make cases more complicated. In most cases, the trucking company will defend a case aggressively to minimize their liability. An experienced lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking company in order to maximize the settlement.
Accidents involving large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen lawyer for 18 wheeler accidents can help you get the compensation you're due for your injuries, car damage, lost wages, legal fees as well as pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed within the two-year time limit. This is crucial, as in the event of a case being dismissed, evidence that is old may be invalidated or witnesses could pass away. Contact us today for a free consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Finding A Settlement
There are a variety of factors that can influence the time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. There are disputes regarding damages and liability. It can also take longer to settle a truck crash lawsuit when there are multiple parties involved. These parties may be reluctant to agree, which could result in lengthy discussions.
The amount you will receive after an agreement has been reached in the case of an 18-wheeler crash will be based on the severity of your injuries as well as injuries you sustained. The most common damages that are incurred in this kind of claim include medical bills along with lost wages and property damage. 18 wheeler accident lawyer albuquerque will consider the costs of your current treatment and the future medical needs of you in making a calculation of your damages. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However your lawyer will work with experts to develop an accurate estimate of your loss.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they do not receive any money until they are successful in the case or have reached a settlement with their clients. The percentage of the settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney gets depends on the state's law and the specifics of each case. Most lawyers in this field take about a third of their client's final compensation.