How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents that involve large trucks can be more complicated than other accidents. Additionally, trucking companies have teams of
attorneys who are determined to avoid any liability and limit the amount of compensation that plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will look into the incident and determine who is responsible. They will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some helpful tips to aid you in gaining experience.
Collecting Evidence
Like all crashes an accident involving a truck needs to be thoroughly studied and documented. This involves gathering evidence at the scene of the accident, gathering information about witnesses, and taking photographs of the incident. The more evidence you provide to prove your claim, your chances of receiving compensation increase.
A top lawyer will work with experts in the field of safety and trucking to collect all this information. They will send spoliation warnings to companies that operate trucks in order to save any documents that may prove violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which caused your accident. Trucking companies often eliminate these documents when they are under the scrutiny of authorities, and a swift response is essential to build your case.
The logbook as well as the on-board technology of the truck are two of the most important pieces of evidence we collect. This data could reveal a range of things, like the truck driver's fatigue or speeding. This information can also be used to determine who is the responsible party in an accident.
This is the reason it is imperative to consult a lawyer as quickly as you can after the incident. The window of time to make a claim is extremely short, and even a month can be detrimental to your claim. A qualified attorney can collect evidence and file your claim before the deadline ends.
Seek medical attention
Medical attention after an accident is vital. This assists you in treating your injuries, and also protects your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster attempts to speak with you, be polite but firm and forward them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using what they have said later against you.
Commercial trucks can cause severe damage and even injuries when it is involved in an accident. Accidents can occur due to many different reasons. Certain are common to all kinds of vehicles, while some are unique to large trucks. Speeding - because truck drivers must travel lots of miles in a short time, they might try to get there quicker by driving too fast. Distractions, such as texting, phone calls, and navigation systems. Daydreaming is another source of distraction that can take the driver's focus off the road. Distance to stop Larger trucks require more time to stop in comparison to passenger vehicles.
It is crucial to preserve any evidence from the accident site. Photograph the damage and the 18-wheeler, which struck you, and the scene of the crash. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information and ask them to provide a written statement in support of your case. Get treatment for your injuries and be sure to go to every follow-up appointment. If you don't attend a treatment and the insurance company is able to claim that you did not attend to your claim.
Legal Assistance is available
In addition to getting medical attention, if you have been involved in an accident involving an
18 wheeler accident attorney wheeler You should consult an experienced attorney. Hiring an attorney immediately is the best way to protect yourself and get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting an attorney. They will try to convince you to take a lesser amount than your claim is worth. While you recuperate you should let an experienced attorney deal with the insurance company.
The trucking industry is controlled by federal, state and private laws. This can make cases more complicated. Trucking companies will often aggressively defend a case to reduce their own liability. An experienced lawyer can bargain with the trucking company to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers can assist you in obtaining the amount of compensation you are entitled to, including for your injuries and vehicle damage, as well as lost wages and
attorneys legal fees. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you submit your claim within the two-year period of limitations. This is important, as stale evidence can be rejected or witnesses could die. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an 18 wheeler, contact our firm to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Get a Settlement
There are many things that could impact the timeframe it takes an 18 wheeler accident case to settle. These include disagreements over the amount of damages and liability. It can also take longer to settle a truck accident lawsuit when there several parties involved. The parties involved may be hesitant to compromise, which could result in prolonged discussions.
Once you've reached a negotiated settlement in your 18-wheeler accident case, the amount you receive will be determined by the severity of your injuries and the type of damage you sustained. In this kind of claim the most frequently cited damages are medical bills, lost wages and property damage. Your attorney will look at the cost of your current treatment as well as the future medical needs of you in the calculation of your damages. The non-economic damages are usually more difficult to quantify, but your lawyer will work with expert witnesses to create an overall image of your losses.
Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, which means they don't receive a payment unless they prevail in their clients' cases or negotiate a settlement on behalf of them. The exact percentage of final settlement or court award that the plaintiff attorney receives will depend on state law and the details of each case. However, most attorneys in this field receive around a third of the final amount they receive for their clients.