How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents caused by large trucks are more complex than other kinds of accidents. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who are determined not to admit responsibility and limit the compensation that plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will look into the incident and determine who is accountable. 18 wheeler accident law firm montana will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident must be documented and investigated as any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at the scene of the accident, obtaining witness information as well as taking photos of the incident. The more evidence you can provide to support your claim, your chances of obtaining compensation are greater.
A top lawyer will work with experts in the field of trucking and safety to gather all of this information. They will then send spoliation requests to companies that handle trucking to save any documentation that proves violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that caused your accident. When authorities are investigating trucking companies are likely to remove documents. A quick response can help you build your case.
The logbook and on-board technology of the truck are two of the most crucial pieces of evidence we can collect. This information can reveal a variety of things, like the truck driver's fatigue, or speeding. It may also help to determine who was responsible for the accident.
It is important to contact an attorney as soon as you can after the accident. Even a month of delay can be detrimental to your case. An experienced attorney can gather evidence and draft your claim prior to the deadline expires.
Get Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you can following an accident. This assists you in treating your injuries and protects your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster tries to speak with you, politely but firmly ask your attorney to refer them. This will prevent them from using your words against you in the future.
Commercial trucks can cause severe damage and even injuries if involved in an accident. Accidents can occur for a variety of different reasons. Certain are common to all types of vehicles, and some are only found in large trucks. Speeding - truckers often travel long distances in a short amount of time and may speed up in order to reach their destination. Distractions like phone calls, texting and navigation systems. Daydreaming is a different distraction that could take the driver's focus off the road. Distance to stop: larger trucks require more time to stop in comparison to passenger vehicles.
It is vital to save any evidence found at the accident site. Take pictures of the damage as well as the 18-wheeler which hit you, and the scene of the crash. Request witnesses to provide an account of the incident. Get their contact information. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. The insurance company could claim that you did not attend the treatment against you when evaluating your claim.
Contacting an Attorney for Help
In addition to getting medical treatment, if you've been involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler it is important to contact an experienced attorney. Hiring an attorney immediately is the best way to protect yourself and get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting with an attorney. They will try to force you to settle for less than what your claim is worth. While you recuperate your claim, let an experienced lawyer handle the insurance company.
The regulation of trucking companies is governed by federal and state laws as and private laws which can add to the complexity of these cases. Often, the trucking company will fight a case vigorously to limit their liability. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the trucking firm to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks are the cause of serious accidents that could cause serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers can assist you in getting the justice you deserve, such as for your injuries, vehicle damage, loss of wages and legal expenses. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed within the two-year time limit. This is important as older evidence could be rejected or witnesses could have passed away. If you've been injured in an accident involving an 18 wheeler, contact our firm for a free consultation.
Make an Settlement
There are a myriad of factors that can influence the time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler crash case. There are disagreements regarding the liability of the other party and damages. It can take longer to settle a truck accident lawsuit in the event that there multiple parties involved. These parties may not be willing to compromise, which can lead negotiations to take longer.
The amount you will receive after a settlement has been reached in your 18-wheeler accident case will depend on the extent of your injuries as well as the damages you sustained. The most frequent damages in this type of claim include medical bills loss of wages, medical bills, and property damage. Your attorney will look at the costs of your current treatment and your future medical needs in making a calculation of your damages. Non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify. However, your lawyer will work with experts to provide an accurate picture of your losses.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on the basis of a contingency, which means they don't get paid until they prevail in the case or negotiate an agreement with their clients. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney receives depends on the laws of the state and particulars of each case. However, the majority of attorneys in this field receive approximately a third of final amount they receive for their clients.