How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large vehicles are more complicated than accidents that involve other types of vehicles. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who are determined not to admit fault and limit the compensation that plaintiffs get.
A personal injury lawyer will investigate the accident and determine who is at fault. They will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some guidelines to aid you in gaining experience.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident has to be documented and investigated as any other accident. This involves gathering evidence at the scene of the accident, obtaining information from witnesses and taking photographs of the incident. The more evidence you have to back your claim, the better your chances of obtaining compensation are greater.
A top lawyer will work with experts in the field of safety and trucking to collect all of this information. They will issue spoliation notices to trucking companies to keep any documents that could show violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that caused your accident. Trucking companies often remove these documents when they are under the scrutiny of authorities, so a speedy 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, like the driver of the truck speeding or driving too long, resulting in fatigue. This information can also be used to determine who is at fault for an accident.
This is why it is essential to get a lawyer as quickly as you can after the incident. The timeframe to claim a case is very limited, and even one month can hurt your case. An experienced attorney can gather evidence and file your claim before the deadline expires.
Seeking Medical Attention
It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as you can following an accident. This helps you treat your injuries, and also protects your legal rights. Refer an insurance adjuster to your lawyer with respect and politeness in the event that they attempt to talk to you. This will stop them from using your words against you in the future.
Commercial trucks can cause serious damage and even injuries if involved in an accident. These accidents occur for many reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, while others are specific to large trucks. Speeding – because truck drivers must travel lots of miles in a short period of time, they may try to get there faster by driving at a high speed. Distractions like texting, phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming or other activities that take a driver’s focus off the road. Distance to stop is longer for larger trucks and require more time to stop compared to passenger vehicles.
It is vital to save any evidence from the accident site. Take photos of the damage and the 18-wheeler that struck you and the crash scene. Ask any witnesses to give an account of your situation. Get their contact information. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. The insurance company may use your failure to attend a treatment against you when assessing your claim.
Legal Assistance is available
In addition to seeking medical care, if you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler it is important to contact an experienced attorney. Hiring an attorney immediately is the best way to protect yourself and to receive the most compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting an attorney. They will attempt to convince you to take a lesser amount than your claim is worth. As you recover you should let an experienced attorney handle the insurance company.
The trucking industry is subject to federal law, state and private laws. This can make cases more difficult. Trucking companies often aggressively defend a case to limit their liability. A skilled lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking company in order to maximize the settlement.
Large trucks cause serious accidents that can result in major injuries. A McAllen lawyer for 18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheeler accidents (internet) will help you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries caused by car accidents, damages to your vehicle, lost wages, legal costs, 18 Wheeler Accidents and pain and suffering. A seasoned lawyer will ensure that you submit your claim within the two-year time frame of limitations. This is important, as in the event of a case being dismissed, evidence that is old may be invalidated or witnesses could pass away. Call our firm to get a no-cost consultation if you have been injured by an 18 wheeler accident lawsuits-wheeler.
Finding A Settlement
There are a lot of factors that could affect the timeline it takes for an 18 wheeler accident case to settle. These include disputes over liability and damages. If there are several parties involved, it may take longer to settle the truck accident lawsuit. They may be resistant to agree, which could result in prolonged discussions.
Once you’ve reached a negotiated settlement in your 18 wheeler accident the amount you get will depend on the severity of your injuries and the type of damage you suffered. The most common damages that are incurred in this kind of claim include medical bills loss of wages, medical bills, and property damage. Your lawyer will consider the costs of your current treatment and the future medical needs of you when calculating your damages. Non-economic damages are often harder to quantify, however your lawyer will work with expert witnesses to create an accurate and complete picture of your losses.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they don’t receive a payment unless they prevail in their clients’ cases or negotiate a settlement for them. The exact percentage of final settlement or court award that the plaintiff attorney receives is contingent on the state’s laws and the specifics of each case. However, the majority of attorneys in this field receive about a third or less of the final amount of compensation they receive for their clients.