Semi Truck Accident Litigation
If you're looking for information regarding semi truck settlements for accidents, you need to know that every case is unique. It's not possible to find an average or a settlement calculator.
Gathering evidence and investigating is one of the most important tasks in a semi-truck accident lawsuit. This includes contacting witnesses and conducting an investigation of the accident scene.
Preparation
In any accident, the very first step is collecting evidence and analyzing the cause. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that your attorney will be able to build an effective case for you and ensure you receive an appropriate amount of compensation. In the event of an accident involving
semi truck accident law firm trucks, that could mean looking into the truck driver as well as the company they are employed by, their record of violations and whether they were under pressure to meet deadlines for delivery. This could also include reviewing the black box of the vehicle and footage from the dash camera.
A thorough investigation should include interviews with eyewitnesses as well as other experts. Also, it should consider any government records that pertain to the roadway on which the crash took place. For instance, if the highway was maintained by a public agency and it contributed to the crash, the accident victim might be able to prove the responsibility of that entity.
The next step is negotiating settlements. This usually happens after your injuries are stabilized, but it could take longer if the severity of your injuries is serious or if the responsible parties want to drag out the proceedings. A good semi truck lawyer is able to negotiate an equitable settlement, taking into consideration your previous and future expenses.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. The trial can last for up to 4 weeks, but your attorney will be sure that you are prepared to go to trial, including the preparation for jury selection and your testimony.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, your attorney may have to depose you and other witnesses. This is an intimidating process, but it's essential to gather all the details from those who know what happened. During the deposition, your attorney will help you prepare so that you are able to answer questions in a truthful manner while protecting your rights. Your
attorney will prepare you for any expert witness testimony as well as a possible deposition by the opposing counsel.
Discovery
Discovery is the legal procedure of gathering evidence and facts to prove your claim. There are procedures in the majority of courts that let your lawyer request information from the at-fault party and third parties related to your crash. The tools for discovery that your lawyer can utilize include interrogatories, requests for production or admissions, as well as depositions.
The defendant or their attorney must answer these questions within a specific time frame. They can only ask relevant questions, which means they can't be disruptive or harassing. They are not permitted to request information that isn't relevant to the case, like 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 that relate to your case. This could range from their vehicle records to employer's policies. It could also be information that is stored in the black box on their truck.
Injuries sustained in accidents caused by large commercial vehicles can be catastrophic. They can result in permanent physical limitations and a decreased quality of life. It is essential that your injury lawyer has access to all facts and evidence regarding the incident as well as the injuries you suffered and the damage you experienced.
Your case will be stronger If you have all the evidence necessary to prove your claim. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and future losses. Your attorney may need to gather testimony from witnesses and police reports as well as other documentation that proves the severity of your injuries.
A collision with a semi-truck can cause severe injuries that include acute abdominal trauma that can cause damage to the spleen, bladder, liver and pancreas. It could also result in broken ribs that can inflict a puncture on the lungs, causing severe internal damage.
The death of a family member because of an accident with an 18-wheeler is a tragedy. In addition to the loss of their life, you're likely suffering from enormous grief, financial losses and the inability to live your life without them. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks compensation for all these losses. This could include compensation for funeral expenses as well as loss of inheritance, loss of companionship and enjoyment of life that your deceased loved ones experienced during their lifetime.
Negotiation
The amount you receive for your
semi truck accident depends on the severity of your injuries and the total amount of your losses. Medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings potential along with property loss and the pain and suffering are all examples of damages. It can be difficult to assign an appropriate monetary value to these kinds of losses but Matt's extensive experience allows him to assess all of your available options for recovery and get the maximum settlement possible for your claim.
Typically, a claim for injury caused by a collision with a semi truck will involve informal discussions between your attorney and the insurance company that represents the defendant or their employer. An experienced attorney on your side can make insurance companies raise the initial offer they offer, and help you discover elements of compensation that would otherwise be overlooked.
For instance, if injuries have led you to be unable to take part in activities that you enjoy or adversely affected your quality of life, this can be an important aspect of your case that might be overlooked by less experienced attorneys who only look at current medical expenses and property damage. Matt takes the time to talk to your doctors and enlist experts to account for every one of your current and future losses to maximize the amount you receive in settlement.
It is important to begin building a case as soon as you can because evidence could disappear as time passes. Witness statements can also become unreliable after a reasonable period.
It could take months or several years to settle a case, particularly if multiple parties are at fault and the defending party or parties are not willing to accept responsibility or dispute your claims. A trial can also prolong the process. However an attorney can speed up the process by negotiating on behalf of you with the defending party and their insurance company or by taking part in formal alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation or non-binding arbitration.
Trial
In some cases an accident involving a truck may involve multiple responsible parties. In this situation it is crucial to look into the accident to determine all of the parties involved and their role in the accident. Our firm is able to review evidence to determine if there is a possibility of liability parties, such as trucking firms and drivers. We can also conduct an investigation to find out more about the incident and find additional witnesses.
In many cases, the parties can come to an agreement without the need for court. This saves everyone a lot of time and money, and is in the best interests of everyone involved. Our New York semi truck accident attorneys are prepared to defend your rights if there's no settlement and the case goes to trial.