How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents caused by large trucks are more complex than other accidents. Trucking companies also have lawyers who are determined to not admit fault and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will conduct an investigation into the incident and determine who is accountable. 18 wheeler accident claim redding will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some suggestions to help you begin.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident has to be documented and investigated as any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at the scene of the accident, obtaining witness information as well as taking photos of the incident. The more evidence we have to support your claim, higher your chances of receiving the amount you deserve.
A top lawyer will collaborate with experts in trucking and safety to collect all this information. They will send spoliation letters 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. Trucking companies will often erase these documents if they are under the scrutiny of authorities, so a speedy response is important to building your case.
The logbook and the on-board technology of the truck are two of the most crucial pieces of evidence we collect. This information can reveal a number of things, including the truck driver's fatigue and speed. It can also help determine who was responsible for the accident.
It is important to contact an attorney immediately after the accident. Even a month's time can be detrimental to your case. An experienced attorney can collect evidence and create the claim before the deadline expires.
Getting Medical Attention
It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly following an accident. This assists you in treating your injuries and protects your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster tries to speak with you, politely but firmly ask your attorney to refer them. This will stop them from using your words against you in the future.
If a commercial vehicle gets in an accident, it may cause significant damage and serious injuries. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, whereas others are only relevant to large trucks. Speeding is a problem for truck drivers. Since they are required to travel lots of miles in a short amount of time, they might try to get there faster by driving too fast. Distractions such as phone calls, texting and navigation systems. Daydreaming is another distraction that can distract the driver from the road. Stopping distance - larger trucks require more time to stop than cars for passengers.
It is recommended to keep evidence at the site of the accident, therefore, you should take photographs of any damages, as well as the 18-wheeler that struck you, as and the crash site. Witnesses are asked to provide a statement in your case. Get their contact information. You should seek treatment for your injuries and go to all follow-up appointments. If you do not attend to a medical appointment then the insurance company may make use of it in your claim.
Getting Help from an Attorney
If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you should seek out a skilled lawyer. 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 get you to settle for less than the claim is worth. A seasoned lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company while you recuperate from your injuries.
Trucking companies are governed by federal and state laws as also private laws, which can add to the complexity of these cases. In most cases, the trucking company will fight a case with a lot of force to minimize their liability. An experienced lawyer can even the playing field and negotiate with the trucking company to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks cause serious accidents that can cause major injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers will assist you in obtaining the justice you deserve, such as for your injuries as well as vehicle damage, lost wages and legal costs. A skilled lawyer will ensure that you have your case filed within the two-year period of limitations. This is vital, since old evidence could be discarded or witnesses could pass away. Call our firm to get a no-cost consultation if you've been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Find a Settlement
There are a lot of factors that can affect the time frame required for an 18 wheeler accident case to settle. There are disagreements about the liability of the other party and damages. It can also take longer to settle a truck accident lawsuit when there multiple parties involved. The parties involved might not be willing to compromise, and this could cause negotiations to take longer.
The amount you get after the settlement has been made in your case involving an 18-wheeler accident will depend on the severity of your injuries as well as the damage you sustained. In this kind of claim the most frequent damages are medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. When the calculation of damages, your lawyer will take into consideration the cost of your current treatment and the future medical requirements. The non-economic damages are usually more difficult to quantify, however your lawyer will collaborate with expert witnesses to construct an overall analysis of your losses.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they do not receive any money until they are successful in the case or have reached a settlement with their clients. The percentage of the settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney gets depends on the state law and details of each case. The majority of attorneys in this field take one third of their clients' final settlement.