How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large trucks are more complicated than other kinds of accidents. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who are determined to not admit liability and limit the compensation that plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will analyze the incident to determine who is responsible and fight for fair compensation. The following are a few tips to help you get started.
Collecting evidence
A truck accident needs to be investigated and documented like any other accident. This includes gathering evidence at scene of an accident, obtaining information from witnesses as well as taking photos of the incident. The more evidence you provide to prove your claim, your chances of receiving compensation are higher.
A top lawyer will work with experts in safety and trucking to gather all of this information. They will issue spoliation notices to companies that operate trucks in order to preserve any documents that might prove violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that led to your accident. When authorities are investigating, trucking companies will often destroy documents. A quick response can help you build your case.
Some of the most critical pieces of evidence that we collect are from the technology onboard the truck and the logbook of the driver. This data can reveal a variety of things, including the driver's fatigue or speeding. This information can also be used to determine who is the responsible party in an accident.
This is why it is imperative to consult a lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. The time frame for file a claim is incredibly small, and even a month could be detrimental to your case. An experienced lawyer will be able to collect evidence and create the claim before the deadline runs out.
Get Medical Attention
Medical attention after an accident is vital. This helps you treat your injuries and also protects your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster wants to contact you, be polite but firm and refer 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 if involved in an accident. Accidents can happen due to many different reasons. Certain are common to all kinds of vehicles, and some are exclusive to large trucks. Speeding - truck drivers often travel many miles in a short amount of time and could speed up to reach their destination. Distractions like texting, phone calls navigation systems, daydreaming or other things that take the driver's focus off the road. Stopping distance - larger trucks need a longer time to stop than cars for passengers.
It is crucial to preserve any evidence that is found at the crash site. Take pictures of the damage and the
18 wheeler accident Attorneys-wheeler that struck you, and the scene of the crash. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information and ask them to give a statement to your case. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. If you fail to attend a treatment or appointment, the insurance company could make use of it in your claim.
Legal Assistance from an Attorney
In addition to seeking medical care, if you've been in an accident with an 18 wheeler it is important to contact an experienced attorney. A quick call to an attorney is the best way to safeguard yourself and to receive the most compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting an attorney. They will attempt to convince you to pay less than your claim is worth. A seasoned lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company as you recover from your injuries.
The trucking industry is controlled by federal laws, state and private. This can make these cases more complex. In most cases, the trucking company will defend a case aggressively to minimize their liability. An experienced attorney can bargain with the trucking company to maximize your settlement.
Accidents involving large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18 wheelers can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're due for your injuries as well as car damage, lost wages, legal expenses and pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your suit is filed within the two-year time limit. This is vital, since in the event of a case being dismissed, evidence that is old may be invalidated or witnesses may die. Contact us to get a no-cost consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Finding an Agreement
There are many variables that affect the time it takes to settle an
18 wheeler accident-wheeler accident case. Some of these include disputes regarding the liability of the other party and damages. It may take longer to settle a truck crash lawsuit when there are multiple parties involved. The parties involved may 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 how severe your injuries were and the type of damages you suffered. In this kind of claim the most frequent damages are medical bills, lost wages and property damage. Your lawyer will analyze the cost of your current treatment and your future medical requirements in the calculation of your damages. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However, your lawyer will work with experts to provide an accurate estimation of your losses.
Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they do not get paid until they are successful in the case or have reached a settlement with their clients. The exact percentage of final settlement or court award that the plaintiff attorney receives is contingent on the state's laws and the details of each case. However, most attorneys in this field make about a third of the final amount of compensation they receive for their clients.