How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large trucks are more complex than other accidents. Trucking companies also have legal teams who are determined not to admit fault and limit the compensation that plaintiffs get.
A personal injury lawyer will analyze the incident to determine who is liable and fight for fair compensation. Here are some suggestions to help you begin.
Collecting evidence
Like any other crash, a truck accident needs to be thoroughly studied and documented. This involves collecting evidence from the scene of the accident, obtaining witnesses, and gathering photographs of the incident. The more evidence we have to support your claim, greater your chances of receiving the amount you are entitled to.
18 wheeler accident attorney allentown will collaborate with experts in trucking and safety to collect all of this information. They will send spoliation warnings to trucking companies in order to save any documents that might prove violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which caused your accident. When authorities are investigating the trucking industry, they will usually take away documents. A quick response can assist in establishing your case.
Some of the most critical pieces of evidence that we collect are from the truck's on-board technology and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal many things, such as the truck driver speeding or driving for too long, resulting in fatigue. This information can also be used to determine who is to blame for the accident.
This is why it is crucial to contact a lawyer as quickly as possible after the incident. Even a month's time can be detrimental to your case. A competent attorney can collect evidence and draft your claim before the deadline ends.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical attention right after an accident is essential. You can treat your injuries while protecting your legal rights. Contact an insurance adjuster to your lawyer politely and firmly in the event that they attempt to talk to you. This will prevent them from using what you have said later against you.
A commercial truck can cause serious damage and even injuries when involved in an accident. Accidents can occur due to many different reasons. Some are common to all kinds of vehicles, while others are exclusive to large trucks. Speeding - truck drivers typically travel a lot of miles in a short amount of time and could speed up to reach their destination. Distractions, like texts, phone calls and navigation systems. Daydreaming is another distraction that can take the driver's focus off the road. Distance to stop: larger trucks need more time to stop compared to passenger vehicles.
It is recommended to save evidence at the scene of the accident, so be sure to take pictures of any damage or injuries and the 18 wheeler that hit you as well as the crash site. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information and request them to provide a statement for your case. You should seek treatment for your injuries, and go to all follow-up appointments. The insurance company could make use of your inability to attend the treatment against you when assessing your claim.
Contacting an Attorney for Help
If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, it is recommended that you be sure to contact a seasoned lawyer. The best way to safeguard your rights and obtain the most compensation for your injuries is to engage an attorney as soon as possible. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting an attorney. They will try to convince you to pay less than your claim is worth. When you are recovering your claim, let an experienced lawyer handle the insurance company.
The trucking industry is controlled by federal law, state and private laws. This can make cases more difficult. The trucking company will fight a case vigorously to minimize their liability. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the trucking firm to maximize your settlement.
Accidents involving large trucks could cause serious injuries. A McAllen 18-wheeler accident lawyer will assist you in obtaining the justice you deserve, such as for your injuries as well as vehicle damage, loss of wages and legal expenses. A lawyer with experience will ensure that your case is filed within the two-year time limit. This is important, as the evidence that is not current can be dismissed or witnesses may die. Contact our firm for a free consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Making a Settlement
There are a variety of factors which can affect the amount of length of time required to settle an 18-wheeler collision case. This includes disagreements over the amount of damages and liability. If there are several parties involved, it could take longer to settle the lawsuit arising from a truck accident. These parties might not be willing to compromise which can lead negotiations to take longer.
If you've reached a negotiated settlement in your 18 wheeler accident the amount you'll receive will be determined by the severity of your injuries and the type of damages you suffered. The most frequent damages that are incurred in this kind of claim include medical bills loss of wages, medical bills, and property damage. When calculating damages, your attorney will take into consideration 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 work with expert witnesses to build an accurate picture of your losses.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they aren't paid until they are successful in defending their clients or negotiate a settlement for them. The percentage of a settlement or court award a plaintiff attorney receives will depend on the state law and details of each case. Most lawyers in this area only take one third of their clients' final settlement.