Sybil Boettcher asked 3 months ago
How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents caused by big trucks are more complicated than other kinds of accidents. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who are determined to not admit fault and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs get.
A personal injury attorney will look into the accident to determine who’s responsible and fight for fair compensation. Here are some tips that will aid you in gaining experience.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident needs to be documented and investigated as any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at scene of an accident, collecting information about witnesses as well as taking photos of the incident. The more evidence we can gather to support your claim, greater your chances of obtaining the amount you deserve.
This information will be gathered by an experienced lawyer working with experts in safety and trucking. They will then send spoliation requests to trucking companies in order to preserve any documentation they might have that proves violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that caused your accident. If authorities are conducting an investigation trucking companies are likely to destroy documents. A quick response can assist in establishing your case.
The logbook and the on-board technology of the truck are two of the most important evidences we gather. This information can reveal many things, including the driver’s fatigue or speeding. This information can also be used to determine who is to blame in an accident.
It is essential to speak with an attorney immediately after the accident. Even a month’s time can be detrimental to your case. A qualified attorney will be able to collect evidence and create the claim before the deadline expires.
Seeking Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention right away following an accident. You can take care of your injuries while protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster wants to speak with you, be courteous but firm enough to forward them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using your words against you in the future.
If a commercial vehicle gets in an accident, it can cause major damage and even serious injuries. Accidents can happen for many different reasons. Certain are common to all kinds of vehicles, and some are specific to large trucks. Speeding is a common feature of truck drivers. They often travel for miles in a short time, and may speed up in order to reach their destination. Distractions such as phone calls, texting, navigation systems, daydreaming or other things that take the driver’s attention off the road. Stopping distance: larger trucks need a longer time to stop than passengers.
It is recommended to keep evidence at the scene of the accident, therefore, you should take photographs of any damage and the 18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheeler that struck you as well as the crash site. Request witnesses to provide an account of your situation. Contact them. Seek treatment for your injuries and go to every follow-up appointment. If you do not attend to a medical appointment and the insurance company is able to claim that you did not attend to your claim.
Get Legal Assistance
In addition to getting medical attention, if you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by an 18 wheeler you must contact an experienced attorney. A quick call to an attorney is the best way to safeguard yourself and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting an attorney. They will try to convince you to take a lesser amount than your claim is worth. When you are recovering the money, let a seasoned attorney deal with the insurance company.
The regulation of trucking companies is governed by federal and state laws as also private laws, which can add to the complexity of these cases. Trucking companies are often aggressive in their efforts to defend a case in order to limit their own liability. A skilled lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking business to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18 wheelers can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries, car damage, lost wages, legal costs and pain and loss. A lawyer with experience will ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the timeframe of two years. This is important, as stale evidence can be rejected or witnesses could pass away. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an 18 wheeler accident lawyer wheeler, call our firm to schedule an appointment free of charge.
Inquiring for an Agreement
There are many factors that can affect the timeline it takes for an 18-wheeler crash case to reach a settlement. Some of these are disputes regarding the amount of liability and damages. If there are several parties involved, it can take longer to settle the lawsuit arising from a truck accident. The parties involved might not be willing to compromise, which could cause negotiations to take longer.
Once you’ve negotiated a settlement in your 18 wheeler accident case the amount you will receive will be determined by how severe your injuries were and the type of damage you sustained. In this kind of claim the most frequently cited damages are medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. When making a determination of damages, your lawyer will take into consideration the cost of your current treatment and your future medical needs. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However your lawyer will collaborate with experts to construct an accurate estimation of your losses.
Most plaintiff lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don’t get paid until they prevail in their clients’ cases or negotiate a settlement for them. The percentage of a settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney receives is contingent upon the state’s law and the specifics of each case. The majority of lawyers in this field only take only a third of their client’s final compensation.