How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents caused by large trucks are more complex than other accidents. In addition, trucking companies have teams of attorneys who are determined to avoid responsibility and limit the amount of compensation that plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury attorney will look into the accident to determine who is liable and fight for fair compensation. Here are some suggestions to help you begin.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident has to be documented and investigated as any other accident. This involves gathering evidence at scene of the accident, gathering information about witnesses and taking photos of the incident. The more evidence we can gather to support your claim, the more likely you are to receive the amount you deserve.
This information will be collected by a top lawyer in conjunction with safety and trucking experts. They will issue spoliation letters to trucking firms to keep any documentation they might have which proves a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that led to your accident. Trucking companies usually destroy these documents when they are under scrutiny by authorities, and a swift response is important to building your case.
Some of the most important pieces of evidence that we collect come from the truck's onboard technology and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal many things, such as the truck driver speeding, or driving too long, resulting in fatigue. This information can also be used to determine who is at fault for the accident.
This is why it's essential to get a lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. The time frame to file a claim is incredibly small, and even a month can be detrimental to your claim. A qualified attorney can collect evidence and draft your claim prior to the deadline expires.
Seek medical attention
Getting medical attention right after an accident is vital. You can treat your injuries while also protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster attempts to contact you, be courteous but firm enough to recommend them to your attorney. This will stop them from using your words against you in the future.
When a commercial truck gets in an accident, it may cause significant damage and serious injuries. Accidents can occur for a variety of different reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, whereas others are only relevant to large trucks. Speeding - since truck drivers must travel lots of miles in a short period of time, they could try to get to their destination faster by driving too fast. Distractions such as texting, phone calls navigation systems, daydreaming or other activities that take the driver's focus off the road. Stopping distance Larger trucks require more time to stop as compared to passenger vehicles.
It is recommended to keep evidence at the site of the accident, so make sure to photograph any damages and the 18 wheeler that hit you, as well as the scene of the crash. If there are any witnesses, contact them with their information and ask them to provide a statement for your case. Find treatment for your injuries and make sure you go to all follow-up appointments. The insurance company could consider your absence to an appointment against you when assessing your claim.
Get Legal Assistance
In addition to seeking medical treatment, if been in an accident with an 18 wheeler it is important to contact an experienced attorney. The best way to protect your rights and secure the most money for your injuries is by hiring an attorney as soon as you can. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting with an attorney. They will try to make you settle for less than your claim is worth. A seasoned lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company while you recover from your injuries.
The trucking industry is governed by federal laws, state and private. This makes cases more complex. Most often, the trucking business will fight a case with a lot of force to minimize their liability. An experienced lawyer can bargain with the trucking company to maximize the settlement.
Large trucks are the cause of serious accidents that can cause major injuries. A McAllen lawyer for 18 wheeler accidents can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries caused by car accidents, damages to your vehicle, lost wages, legal expenses, and pain and suffering. A lawyer with experience will ensure that your suit is filed within the two-year time limit. This is vital, since in the event of a case being dismissed, evidence that is old may be invalidated or witnesses may die. If you have been injured in an accident that involved an 18-wheeler, call our firm to schedule an appointment free of charge.
Find a Settlement
There are a variety of things that could impact the time it takes for an 18 wheeler accident case to settle. These include disagreements over the amount of damages and liability. If there are several parties involved, it may take longer to settle the lawsuit arising from a truck accident. The parties could be hesitant to compromise, which can result in prolonged discussions.
The amount you will receive after an agreement has been reached in your 18-wheeler accident case will depend on the extent of your injuries and damages you suffered. In this type of case the most frequently cited damages are medical bills, lost wages and property damage. When making 18 wheeler accident claim oxnard of damages, your lawyer will consider the cost of your current treatment as well as the future medical requirements. Non-economic damages are often harder to quantify, but your lawyer will collaborate with expert witnesses to create a comprehensive analysis of your losses.
Most plaintiff attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don't get paid unless they win their clients' cases or reach a settlement with them. The proportion of the settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney receives is contingent upon the state's law and the specifics of each case. However, the majority of lawyers in this field take around a third of the final amount they receive for their clients.