How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents involving large vehicles are more complicated than accidents with other vehicles. In addition, trucking companies have legal teams that are determined to deny liability and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
An attorney for personal injury will look into the accident to determine who is responsible and fight for fair compensation. Here are some suggestions to help you start.
Collecting evidence
A truck crash must be investigated and documented just like any other accident. This involves gathering evidence from the scene of the accident, obtaining witnesses, and collecting photographs of the accident. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the greater your chances of receiving compensation are higher.
This information will be gathered by a top lawyer in conjunction with experts in safety and trucking. They will send spoliation notices to companies that handle trucking to save any documentation they might have that proves that they violated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that caused your accident. Trucking companies often remove these documents when they are scrutinized by authorities, so a speedy response is essential in establishing your case.
The logbook as well as the on-board technology of the truck are two of the most important evidences we collect. This information can reveal many things, like the driver speeding up or driving too long, resulting in fatigue. It can also help determine who was at fault for the accident.
It is essential to speak with an attorney immediately after the incident. Even a month's time can be detrimental to your case. A competent attorney can collect evidence and prepare your claim before the deadline runs out.
Seek medical attention
Medical attention after an accident is crucial. This will help you treat your injuries and also protects your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster tries to speak to you, be courteous but firm enough to forward them to your attorney. This will stop them from using your words against you in the future.
A commercial truck can cause significant damage and even injuries if it is involved in an accident. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, while some are only for large trucks. Speeding - because truck drivers are required to travel a lot of miles within a short time, they might try to get there faster by driving too fast. 18 wheeler accident law firm medford as texts, phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming or other things that divert the driver's attention from the road. Stopping distance is longer for larger trucks and require more time to stop in comparison to passenger vehicles.
It is vital to save any evidence from the accident site. Take photos of the damage and the 18-wheeler that struck you and the crash scene. If you have witnesses, get their contact information and ask them to give a statement to your case. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. If you skip a treatment, the insurance company might 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 consult with an experienced lawyer. A quick call to an attorney is the best way to safeguard yourself and get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. They will try to make you settle for less than the claim is worth. Let a seasoned lawyer deal with the insurance company while you recover from your injuries.
The trucking industry is controlled by federal law, state and private laws. This can make cases more complicated. Trucking companies are often aggressive in their efforts to defend a case to reduce their liability. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the trucking company to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you get the amount of compensation you are entitled to, including the cost of your injuries as well as vehicle damage, loss of wages and legal expenses. A seasoned lawyer will ensure that you file your lawsuit within the two year statute of limitations. This is crucial as old evidence may be rejected or witnesses could have died. If you've been injured in an accident caused by an 18-wheeler, contact our firm for a free consultation.
Making an Agreement
There are a variety of factors that could affect the length of time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. This includes disagreements over the amount of damages and liability. It may take longer to settle a truck accident lawsuit if there are multiple parties involved. The parties involved may be hesitant to compromise, which could cause lengthy discussions.
Once you've negotiated a settlement in your 18 wheeler accident, the amount you receive will depend on how severe your injuries were and the kind of damages you sustained. The most common damages that are incurred in this kind of claim are medical bills loss of wages, medical bills, and property damage. When the calculation of damages, your lawyer will consider the cost of your current treatment and the future medical requirements. Non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify. However, your lawyer will work closely with experts to construct an accurate estimation of your loss.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on an on-going basis, meaning they do not get paid until they succeed in their case or reach an agreement with their clients. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award the plaintiff attorney receives is contingent on the laws of the state and details of each case. However, the majority of attorneys in this field make around a third of the final amount they receive for their clients.