How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents caused by large trucks are more complex than other types of accidents. Trucking companies also have lawyers who are determined not to admit liability and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
An attorney for personal injury will analyze the incident to determine who is liable and fight for fair compensation. The following are some tips to help you begin.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident needs to be investigated and documented like any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at the site of the accident, obtaining witness information and taking photos of the incident. The more evidence we have to back your claim, the greater your chances of obtaining the amount you are entitled to.
A top lawyer will work with experts in trucking and safety to gather all of this information. They will send spoliation letters to trucking firms to keep any documentation which proves a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which led to your accident. If authorities are conducting an investigation trucking companies often remove documents. A quick response can help you build your case.
18 wheeler accident law firm new york of the most important pieces of evidence that we collect are from the truck's onboard technology and the driver's logbook. This data can reveal a variety of things, such as the truck driver's fatigue and speed. This information can also be used to determine who is at fault for the accident.
It is important to contact an attorney as soon as you can after the incident. The time frame for file a claim is incredibly short, and even a month can hurt your case. A qualified attorney can collect evidence and prepare your claim prior to the deadline expires.
Receiving Medical Attention
The need for medical attention as soon as you are aware of an accident is essential. This will help you treat your injuries and protects your legal rights. Invite an insurance adjuster to your lawyer politely and firmly in the event that they attempt to talk to you. This will keep them from using what you say against you later on.
When a commercial truck gets into an accident, it can cause serious damage or serious injuries. These accidents happen for a variety reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, and others are unique to large trucks. Speeding - truckers often travel many miles in a short period of time and could speed up to reach their destination. Distractions, like phone calls, texting and navigation systems. Daydreaming is another source of distraction that can distract drivers from the road. Stopping distance - larger vehicles require more time to stop than passengers.
It is best to preserve evidence at the scene of the accident so be sure to take pictures of any damage or injuries and the 18-wheeler that struck you as well as the crash site. Request witnesses to provide their testimony in your case. Get their contact information. Seek treatment for your injuries and go to all follow-up appointments. The insurance company may claim that you did not attend an appointment against you when assessing your claim.
Get Legal Help
If you've been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler vehicle, you should be sure to contact a seasoned lawyer. Hiring an attorney immediately is the best way to protect yourself and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting with an attorney. They will try to convince you to take a lesser amount than your claim is worth. As you recover your claim, let an experienced lawyer deal with the insurance company.
The trucking industry is controlled by federal laws, state and private. This can make cases more difficult. Companies that transport goods will typically defend a case to reduce their own liability. An experienced lawyer can bargain with the trucking company to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious accidents that can lead to serious injuries. A McAllen lawyer for 18 wheeler accidents will help you obtain the compensation you're entitled to for your injuries, car damage, lost wages, legal fees as well as pain and suffering. A lawyer with experience will ensure that your claim is filed within the two-year limitation period. This is crucial, as the evidence that is not current can be dismissed or witnesses may die. Contact us for a free consultation if you've been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Find a Settlement
There are a variety of factors which can affect the amount of time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. Some of these include disputes over the liability of the other party and damages. If there are several parties involved, it may take longer to settle the truck accident lawsuit. The parties could be hesitant to agree, which could lead to prolonged discussions.
The amount you will receive after the settlement has been made in the case of an 18-wheeler crash will be based on the severity of your injuries as well as the damages you sustained. The most common damages in this type of claim are medical expenses as well as lost wages and property damage. When you calculate damages, your lawyer will consider the costs of your current treatment as well as your future medical needs. Non-economic damages are typically more difficult to quantify, however your lawyer will work with expert witnesses to create an overall report of your losses.
Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on an on-going basis, meaning they do not get paid until they win the case or reach an agreement with their clients. The proportion of the settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney gets depends on the state's law and specifics of each case. The majority of lawyers in this field take only a third of their client's final settlement.