How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large vehicles are more complex than accidents that involve other types of vehicles. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who are determined to not accept liability and limit the compensation that plaintiffs get.
A personal injury lawyer will investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and fight for fair compensation. Here are some helpful tips to help you begin.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident has to be investigated and documented just like any other accident. This includes gathering evidence at scene of an accident, gathering information about witnesses as well as taking photos of the incident. The more evidence you can provide to support your claim, the greater your chances of receiving compensation are increased.
A top lawyer will work with experts in the field of trucking and safety to collect all this information. They will issue spoliation notices to trucking companies in order to preserve any documents that could show 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 prompt response could aid in establishing your case.
Some of the most critical pieces of evidence that we collect come from the truck's on-board technology and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal many things, like the truck driver speeding, or taking too long to drive, resulting in fatigue. This information can also be used to determine who is responsible for an accident.
This is why it is imperative to consult a lawyer as quickly as you can following the incident. The time frame to claim a case is very limited, and even one month could be detrimental to your case. A qualified lawyer can gather evidence and draft the claim prior to the deadline expires.
Seek medical attention
Receiving medical attention immediately after an accident is essential. This will help you treat your injuries, and also protects your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster wants to speak to you, be courteous but firm enough to refer them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using your words against you in the future.
When a commercial truck gets in an accident, it may cause significant damage and serious injuries. Accidents can happen for many different reasons. They can be common to all types of vehicles, while others are specific to large trucks. Speeding - truck drivers typically travel for miles in a short time, and may speed up in order to reach their destination. Distractions, like phone calls, texting and navigation systems. 18 wheeler accident law firm sioux falls is another source of distraction that can distract drivers from the road. Stopping distance - larger vehicles need a longer time to stop than cars for passengers.
It is essential to preserve any evidence found at the accident site. Photograph the damage as well as the 18-wheeler which hit you and the crash scene. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information and request them to provide a statement for your case. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. 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.
Legal Assistance from an Attorney
In addition to seeking medical care, if you've been in an accident with an 18-wheeler You should consult an experienced attorney. The best way to secure your rights and receive the most money for your injuries is to contact an attorney immediately. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. They will attempt to convince you to accept a lower amount than your claim is worth. As you recover, let an experienced attorney handle the insurance company.
The trucking industry is subject to federal laws, state and private. This makes cases more complicated. Trucking companies often aggressively defend a case in order to limit their liability. An experienced lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking firm to maximize the settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers can assist you in obtaining the amount of compensation you are entitled to, including for your injuries as well as vehicle damage, lost wages and legal fees. A seasoned lawyer will ensure that you make your claim within the two-year time frame of limitations. This is vital, since the evidence that is not current can be dismissed or witnesses may pass away. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an 18-wheeler, call our firm for an appointment free of charge.
Making an Settlement
There are many variables that could affect the length of length of time required to settle an 18-wheeler crash case. Some of these include disputes regarding the liability of the other party and damages. It may take longer to settle a truck accident lawsuit when there are multiple parties involved. The parties involved might not be willing to compromise, which can lead 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 and the damages you sustained. In this kind of claim the most commonly cited damages are medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. Your attorney will look at the cost of your current treatment and the future medical needs of you in making a calculation of your damages. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However, your lawyer will collaborate with experts to construct an accurate picture of your loss.
Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on an hourly basis, which means they don't get paid until they prevail in the case or negotiate an agreement with their clients. The exact percentage of final settlement or court award that an attorney for plaintiffs receives is dependent on state law and the particulars of each case. Most lawyers in this area only take only a third of their client's final compensation.