How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large trucks are more complex than other accidents. In addition, companies that transport goods have teams of lawyers who are determined to avoid responsibility and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will conduct an investigation into the incident and determine who is at fault. They will also fight for fair compensation. The following are some tips to help you start.
Collecting Evidence
Like any other crash, a truck accident needs to be properly examined and documented. This involves gathering evidence from the scene of the accident, gathering witnesses, and collecting photographs of the incident. The more evidence you are able to provide 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 gather all of this information. They will issue spoliation notifications to trucking firms in order to keep any documents that could show violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that led to your accident. Trucking companies will often eliminate these documents when they are being scrutinized by authorities, therefore a prompt response is important to building your case.
The most crucial evidences we collect are from the truck's onboard technology and the logbook of the driver. This data can reveal a variety of things, including the driver speeding up or driving too long, resulting in fatigue. It could also help determine the person responsible for the accident.
This is why it is essential to get a lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. The time frame to make a claim is extremely limited, and even one month can be detrimental to your claim. A competent attorney can collect evidence and submit your claim before the deadline expires.
Seeking Medical Attention
Getting medical attention right after an accident is essential. You can take care of your injuries while protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster wants to talk to you, be courteous but firm enough to recommend them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using your words against you in the future.
Commercial trucks can cause significant damage and even injuries when it is involved in an accident. Accidents can happen due to many different reasons. 18 wheeler accident law firm st joseph of these accidents are common for all vehicles, while others are specific to large trucks. Speeding is a common feature of truck drivers. They often travel a lot of miles in a short amount of time and might speed up to get to their destination. Distractions, such as phone calls, texting and navigation systems. Daydreaming is another distraction that can distract the driver from the road. Stopping distance - larger trucks need a longer time to stop than passengers.
It is essential to preserve any evidence that is found at the crash site. Photograph the damage and the 18-wheeler, which struck you, and the scene of the crash. Request witnesses to provide their testimony in your case. Find their contact details. Get treatment for your injuries and be sure to go to every follow-up appointment. If you skip a treatment then the insurance company may claim that you did not attend to your claim.
Contacting an Attorney for Help
If you've been involved in an accident that involved an 18-wheeler, you should seek out a skilled lawyer. Hiring an attorney immediately is the best way to protect yourself and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. Do not speak to the insurance company without first consulting with an attorney. They will try to force you to pay less than your claim is worth. While you recover, let an experienced attorney deal with the insurance company.
The trucking industry is controlled by federal, state and private laws. This can make these cases more difficult. Companies that transport goods will typically defend a case in order to limit their own liability. An experienced lawyer can even the playing field and negotiate with the trucking company in order to maximize your settlement.
Accidents involving large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers will assist you in obtaining the amount of compensation you are entitled to, including the cost of your injuries along with vehicle damage, lost wages, and legal fees. A seasoned lawyer will ensure that you have your case filed within the two-year time frame of limitations. This is important as older evidence could be rejected or witnesses could have passed away. Call our firm for a free consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Finding a Settlement
There are many factors that could affect the length of length of time required to settle an 18-wheeler crash case. Some of these are disputes regarding the amount of liability and damages. It can also take longer to settle a truck accident lawsuit when there are multiple parties involved. These parties may be reluctant to compromise, which could result in prolonged negotiations.
The amount you are awarded after the settlement has been made in your 18-wheeler accident case will be based on the severity of your injuries and damages you suffered. In this type of claim the most commonly cited damages are medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. Your lawyer will analyze the costs of your current treatment and your future medical needs in the calculation of your damages. Non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify. However your lawyer will collaborate with experts to construct an accurate estimate of your loss.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on an on-going basis, meaning they don't get paid until they succeed in their case or reach a settlement with their clients. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award that the plaintiff attorney receives is contingent on state law and the particulars of each case. However, the majority of lawyers in this field earn about a third or less of the final compensation for their clients.