How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents that involve big trucks are more complicated than other types of accidents. Additionally, trucking companies have teams of lawyers who are determined to deny any liability and limit the amount of compensation that plaintiffs receive.
An attorney who is a personal injury lawyer will examine the accident to determine who is liable and fight for fair compensation. Here are some helpful tips to help you start.
Collecting evidence
As with any crash an accident involving a truck needs to be properly assessed and documented. This includes collecting evidence from the scene of the accident, obtaining witnesses, and obtaining photographs of the incident. The more evidence we can gather to support your claim, the more likely you are to receive the compensation you are entitled to.
The information will be gathered by an experienced lawyer, working with safety and trucking experts. They will send spoliation notices to trucking firms to keep any documentation they might have that proves there was a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that led to your accident. If authorities are conducting an investigation, trucking companies will often take away documents. A prompt response could help you build your case.
The most crucial pieces of evidence that we collect are from the technology onboard the truck and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal a number of things, such as the truck driver's fatigue or speeding. This information can also be used to determine who is responsible for an accident.
This is why it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as you can following the accident. Even a month of delay can be detrimental to your case. A competent attorney will be able to collect evidence and create the claim before the deadline runs out.
Get Medical Attention
It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. You can treat your injuries while protecting your legal rights. Invite an insurance adjuster to your lawyer respectfully and with a firm hand if they try to speak to you. This will keep them from using what you have said later against you.
When a commercial truck gets into an accident, it can cause massive damage, and even serious injuries. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Some are common to all types of vehicles, while some are exclusive to large trucks. Speeding - as truck drivers have to cover a lot of miles in a short period of time, they may try to reach their destination faster by driving too fast. Distractions like texts, phone calls and navigation systems. Daydreaming is another source of distraction that can distract drivers from the road. Distance to stop: larger trucks need more time to stop as compared to passenger vehicles.
It is essential to preserve any evidence that is found at the crash site. Photograph the damage, the 18-wheeler that hit you, as well as the scene of the crash. Ask any witnesses to give an account of the incident. Find their contact details. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. If you fail to attend a treatment, the insurance company might claim that you did not attend to your claim.
Get Legal Assistance
In addition to getting medical care, if you've been involved in an accident with an
18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys-wheeler you must contact an experienced attorney. The best way to safeguard your rights and receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries is to engage an attorney as soon as you can. Don't contact the insurance company without first consulting with an attorney. They will attempt to force you to settle for less than your claim is worth. A seasoned lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company as you recuperate from your injuries.
The regulation of trucking companies is governed by federal and state laws, as and private laws which can add to the complexity of these cases. Often, the trucking company will fight a case with a lot of force to minimize their liability. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the trucking company to maximize your settlement.
Accidents involving large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen 18-wheeler accident lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve, including the cost of your injuries and vehicle damage, as well as lost wages and legal costs. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you make your claim within the two-year period of limitations. This is crucial as older evidence could be rejected or witnesses may have passed away. Contact our firm for a free consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Find a Settlement
There are many factors that could affect the length of time it takes to settle an
18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheeler crash case. These include disagreements over the amount of damages and liability. It may take longer to settle a truck accident lawsuit when there are multiple parties involved. The parties involved may not be willing to compromise which can lead negotiations to take longer.
The amount you get after settlement has been reached in your
18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheeler accident case will be contingent upon the severity of your injuries and the damages you sustained. The most common damages that are incurred in this kind of claim are medical expenses as well as lost wages and property damage. When you calculate damages, your lawyer will take into consideration the costs of your current treatment and your future medical needs. Non-economic damages are typically more difficult to quantify, however your lawyer will work with expert witnesses to create a comprehensive image of your losses.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on an on-going basis, meaning they are not paid until they are successful in the case or have reached an agreement with their clients. The exact percentage of final settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney receives depends on the laws of the state and specifics of each case. However, most lawyers in this field take around a third of the final settlement for their clients.