How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large vehicles are more complex than accidents with other vehicles. Trucking companies also have legal teams who are determined to not admit fault and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will investigate the incident and determine who is responsible. They will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some guidelines to assist you in establishing your own.
Collecting evidence
A truck crash must be documented and investigated as any other accident. This involves gathering evidence at the site of the accident, obtaining information from witnesses, and taking photographs of the incident. The more evidence you provide to support your claim, your chances of obtaining compensation are greater.
A top lawyer will work with experts in the field of safety and trucking to collect all of this information. They will issue spoliation notifications to trucking companies in order to preserve any documents that may prove violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which led to your accident. When authorities are investigating trucking companies are likely to remove documents. A prompt response could help you build your case.
The logbook and on-board technology of the truck are two of the most significant evidences we collect. This information can reveal a variety of things, including the truck driver’s fatigue or speeding. This information can also be used to determine who is the responsible party for the accident.
It is important to contact an attorney immediately after the accident. Even a month’s time can be detrimental to your case. A competent attorney can collect evidence and prepare your claim before the deadline expires.
Seeking Medical Attention
The need for medical attention as soon as you are aware of an accident is vital. This helps you treat your injuries and protects your legal rights. Refer an insurance adjuster to your lawyer politely and firmly if they try to speak to you. This will prevent them from using what you have said later against you.
When a commercial truck gets into an accident, it may cause massive damage, and even serious injuries. Accidents can occur due to many different reasons. They can be common to all types of vehicles, whereas others are exclusive to large trucks. Speeding is a common feature of truck drivers. They often travel a lot of miles in a short period of time and may speed up in order to reach their destination. Distractions like texting, phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming or other activities that take the driver’s attention off the road. Distance to stop is longer for larger trucks and require more time to stop as compared to passenger vehicles.
It is recommended to save evidence at the scene of the accident so be sure to take pictures of any damages and the 18 wheeler Accident attorneys wheeler that hit you as well as the site of the crash. If there are witnesses, contact them with their details and ask them provide a written statement in support of your case. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. The insurance company may make use of your inability to attend the treatment against you when assessing your claim.
Finding Help from an Attorney
If you’ve been involved in an accident that involved an 18 wheeler accident-wheeler, you should be sure to contact a seasoned lawyer. The best way to protect your rights and receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Do not speak to the insurance company without first consulting an attorney. They will try to force you to settle for less than the claim is worth. While you recuperate the money, let a seasoned attorney handle the insurance company.
Trucking companies are regulated by federal and state laws, as also private laws, which can increase the complexity of these cases. Trucking companies will often aggressively defend a case to limit their liability. An experienced lawyer can even the playing field and negotiate with the trucking business to maximize the settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious accidents that can result in major injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18 wheelers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and car damage, as well as lost wages, legal fees and pain and suffering. A lawyer with experience will ensure that your case is filed within the two-year time limit. This is crucial, as stale evidence can be rejected or witnesses could pass away. Contact our firm for a free consultation if you’ve been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Make a Settlement
There are many variables that could affect the length of time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler crash case. This includes disputes over damages and liability. It may take longer to settle a truck crash lawsuit if there multiple parties involved. The parties involved might not be willing to compromise, which can lead negotiations to take longer.
The amount you receive after an agreement has been reached in the case of an 18-wheeler crash will be contingent upon the severity of your injuries as well as damages you suffered. The most frequent damages in this type of claim are medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. When the calculation of damages, your lawyer will consider the costs of your current treatment as well as your future medical needs. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However your lawyer will work with experts to construct an accurate estimate of your loss.
Most plaintiff lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don’t get paid until they are successful in defending their clients or reach a settlement for them. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award that the plaintiff attorney receives is contingent on the state’s laws and the specifics of each case. However, most lawyers in this field take about a third or less of the final amount they receive for their clients.