Semi Truck Accident Litigation
If you're looking for information regarding
semi truck accidents truck settlements in accidents, be aware that every case is unique. There is no settlement calculator or an average.
One of the most crucial aspects of a semi-truck accident lawsuit is investigating and obtaining evidence. This includes contacting witnesses and conducting an investigation at the scene of the crash.
Preparation
In any accident, collecting evidence and determining the root causes is the initial step. The more details you have the better chance it is that your lawyer will be able to build an effective case for you and obtain an appropriate amount of compensation. In the case of accidents involving semi-trucks this may involve investigating the truck driver, the company that they work for, and their history of violating laws. It could also involve finding out if they were under any pressure to meet deadlines. It could also mean reviewing the vehicle, including black box data and dash cam footage.
Interviews with eyewitnesses and experts as well as other professionals should form part of a thorough investigation. Also, it should consider any government records pertaining to the highway on which the crash took place. For instance, if a highway was maintained by a public agency and the agency was responsible for the crash, the victim could be able establish the liability of the entity.
Settlement negotiations are the next step. It usually takes place after your injuries have been stabilized, but it could take longer if the injuries is high or if the parties responsible are looking to delay the proceedings. A good
semi truck accident law firms truck lawyer knows how to negotiate an acceptable settlement, taking into consideration your past and future expenses.
If the settlement cannot be reached the case will go to trial. The process can take up to four weeks. Your attorney will make sure you are prepared including jury selection as well as your testimonies.
Depending on the severity of your injuries your lawyer might have to question you and other witnesses. This is an intimidating process, but it's crucial to gather all facts from the people who know what transpired. During the deposition, your attorney will help you prepare to answer questions in a truthful manner while protecting your rights. Your attorney will prepare witnesses for expert testimony and a deposition that could be requested by the opposing counsel.
Discovery
The legal process of obtaining evidence and facts to will support your claim is referred to as discovery. There are procedures in most courts that let your lawyer seek information from the at fault party and other third parties relating to your crash. The tools that your lawyer may use include interrogatories, requests for production or admissions, as well as depositions.
The defendant or their attorney must answer the questions within a certain time frame. They are only allowed to ask pertinent questions, therefore they are not allowed to be invasive or harassing. They cannot ask for anything that is not relevant to the situation, such as medical records from an earlier accident.
A request for production (or a request for documentation) is a written request to the defendant for any documents related to your case. This could be anything from their vehicle records to their employer's policies. It could also be data stored in the black box on their truck.
Injuries resulting from accidents with large commercial vehicles can be devastating. They can cause permanent physical limitations as well as a reduced quality of life. It is vital that your injury lawyer has access to all the facts and evidence pertaining to the accident, the injuries you sustained and the damage you sustained.
All of the evidence supporting your claim for the pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills and future losses is essential to prove your case. Your attorney may require witness testimony or police records, as well as other documentation to prove the extent of your injury.
A collision with a semi-truck may cause serious injuries, including blunt abdominal trauma, which can damage the liver, spleen and pancreas. It could also result in broken ribs, which could damage the lungs and cause severe internal damage.
The loss of a family member due to an accident with an 18-wheeler is heartbreaking. You could be also facing financial losses, grief, and the inability of enjoying your life without the person you love dearly. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks to compensate for all of these losses. It may include compensation for the loss of inheritance you might have received, funeral costs and the loss of the pleasure of living and the companionship that the loved ones of your deceased lived through during their life time.
Negotiation
The amount of money you will receive following an accident involving a semi-truck is determined by the extent of your injuries as well as the totality of your damages. Medical expenses, lost wages potential loss of future earnings, property losses and suffering and pain are all considered damages. It is difficult to assign an appropriate amount of money to these types of losses but Matt's extensive experience allows him to identify all your recovery options and obtain the most favorable settlement for your claim.
Typically the process of claiming compensation for injuries sustained in a crash with a semi truck will involve informal negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company representing the defendant or their employer. An experienced lawyer can help you convince the insurance company to raise their initial offer, and to uncover compensation that otherwise would be missed.
For instance, if injuries have caused you to miss out on opportunities to participate in activities you enjoy or have adversely affected your quality of life, this could be a crucial aspect of your case. This could be overlooked by less skilled attorneys who only consider the present medical bills and property damage. Matt will work with you and your doctors to determine the extent of your current and future damages. He'll also solicit the assistance of expert witnesses in order to maximize settlement.
It is crucial to begin creating a case as early as you can because evidence could disappear as time passes. Witness statements can also turn unreliable after a reasonable time period.
It could take anywhere from months to several years to settle a case especially if several parties are responsible and the defending party or parties refuse to take responsibility or defend your claims. A trial could also lengthen the process. However, a lawyer can speed up the process by engaging on your behalf with the opposing party and their insurance company, or by taking part in formal alternative dispute resolution proceedings such as mediation or non-binding arbitration.
Trial
In some cases a truck accident could involve multiple parties liable. In this case it is important to examine the accident to determine the role played by all the parties involved. Our firm will review the evidence to identify potential liable parties, such as the trucking company and driver. We can conduct an investigation on our own to find out the details of what happened and identify any additional witnesses.
In many cases the parties can reach a settlement outside of court. This is a great option to save time and money, and is in everyone's best interest. If a settlement cannot be reached and the case proceeds to trial, our New York
semi truck accident lawyers are prepared to defend your rights.
We will contact the insurance company for the at-fault party on your behalf to stop them from using anything you say against you during your trial.