How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Claim Take?
If you’re involved in an accident involving a truck, you may be entitled to more damages than you would be in car accidents. The time frame of your claim and the amount you are awarded depends on two factors which are the fault and the damage.
18 wheeler accident lawsuit-Wheeler accidents: Causes and Prevention
These trucks are used by trucking companies to transport goods over long distances. Consumers depend on these huge hauls for everything from furniture to computers. These massive trucks can cause serious accidents when they crash into passenger cars or other massive vehicles. The injuries caused by these collisions are usually life-changing.
Many of the causes of 18 wheeler accidents could be prevented. These accidents may be caused by circumstances beyond the driver’s control, such as bad weather or road conditions. They can also be caused by actions taken by drivers as well as other parties involved in an accident.
Distracted driving is a primary cause of accidents. This includes drinking, eating, talking or texting on the phone, or even texting. This is particularly relevant when a driver is distracted while driving a large car, like an 18-wheeler. A semi-truck crash could also be caused by aggressive driving, like speeding up or tailgating.
Inadequate maintenance of vehicles is a common cause of 18 wheeler accidents. Trucking companies have a duty to make sure that their vehicles are maintained and in good working order. Inability to do this could cause breakdowns, such as malfunctioning brakes and tires or other parts that could cause an accident.
Damages resulting from 18-wheeler accidents
While any motor vehicle accident can cause serious injuries, collisions involving large trucks can cause severe and life-threatening injuries. Truck accident victims are compensated more than other victims of auto accidents.
Commercial vehicles are heavier and can cause more damage. It can also be difficult to determine fault in a trucking accident. Since multiple parties are involved in the operation of commercial vehicles, they may attempt to shift the blame for the accident onto the other. An experienced lawyer can ensure that all negligent parties are held accountable for their actions, and that every victim receives the appropriate compensation.
Many 18-wheeler accidents happen due to drivers that are distracted, tired or otherwise not paying attention to the road. Some drivers are pressured to deliver their goods in time or under pressure to deliver their loads on time or under pressure to do so. This can lead drivers to speed up to arrive. A truck takes longer to stop than an automobile. So even a small error can be fatal if an 18-wheeler driver is involved.
An attorney can include in the calculation of damages not just medical costs, property losses and other financial losses but also non-economic damage such as emotional distress, trauma and discomfort and pain. By incorporating all these elements the amount a victim receives can be increased.
Insurance Coverage in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
While trucking companies and insurers might want to settle any amount that is fair, they must take into consideration all the victim’s medical costs, lost income, property damage and other damages. It is also crucial that victims work with an Denver attorney for 18 wheeler accidents to help them prove negligence and obtain the maximum possible compensation.
Truckers must carry a higher level of liability insurance than typically required for passenger vehicles. The amount and type of insurance required will depend on factors like the weight of the vehicle, if it is hauling dangerous materials, and others.
Most claims involving truck accidents are settled through settlements, and the process can be lengthy and arduous because there are multiple parties involved. In addition to the trucking company and its insurer in many cases, there are other negligent parties that contribute to the cause of an accident, including maintenance companies as well as loading dock workers and a variety of other. Each of these parties has a responsibility to inspect and maintain their trucks. They could also be held liable for accidents that happen due to their negligence.
In addition to the typical commercial truck insurance policies, there is an additional option of coverage that can provide specialized insurance such as cargo theft insurance and specified peril insurance. This type of insurance protects a vehicle from damage caused by a certain hazard such as fire.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accidents
The average settlement for a truck accident varies because each case is unique and based on the circumstances of the crash, liability and the damage. It’s not uncommon for victims of accidents involving 18-wheelers to obtain hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars.
Your Indiana truck accident lawyer will fight to ensure you receive the fair and full compensation you deserve. They can assist you in calculating the financial and non-financial losses. You may suffer emotional distress or a loss of quality due to an accident caused by semi-trucks. This can be equally significant as the financial loss however, it may not be obvious to you or the insurance company.
The extent of your injuries will also impact the amount you receive. A serious injury can result in a higher amount of compensation, especially if the damages are deemed punitive due to the reckless or unsafe conduct of the person responsible.
In this kind of situation it is imperative to employ an attorney for truck accidents because the parties responsible are likely to try to avoid liability by dragging out the negotiations or attempting to bypass the statute of limitations. A good lawyer will know the signs of these attempts and keep the process moving forward. They can assist you in obtaining medical care and address other needs after a crash caused by an 18-wheeler.