How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents involving large vehicles are more complicated than accidents involving other types of vehicles. Trucking companies also have legal teams who are determined not to admit liability and limit the compensation that plaintiffs get.
A personal injury lawyer will investigate the incident and determine who was at fault. They will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some helpful tips to assist you in your search for a lawyer.
Collecting evidence
As with any crash any other type of crash, a truck accident has to be properly assessed and documented. This involves gathering evidence at the site of the accident, obtaining information from witnesses, and taking photographs of the incident. The more evidence we can gather to back your claim, the more likely you are to receive the amount you are entitled to.
The information will be gathered by an experienced lawyer who will work with experts in safety and trucking. They will issue spoliation notices to trucking companies to keep any documents that could show violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that caused your accident. If authorities are conducting an investigation the trucking industry, they will usually 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 collect. This data could reveal a range of things, including the driver's fatigue, or speeding. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit shreveport may also help to determine who was at fault for the accident.
This is why it is essential to get a lawyer as quickly as possible after the accident. The time frame for file a claim is incredibly short, and even one month could be detrimental to your case. A competent attorney can collect evidence and prepare your claim before the deadline runs out.
Receiving Medical Attention
Getting medical attention right after an accident is crucial. You can take care of your injuries while protecting your legal rights. You should refer an insurance adjuster your lawyer politely and firmly should they attempt to speak to you. This will keep them from using what you say against them later on.
A commercial truck can cause serious damage and even injuries if it is involved in an accident. Accidents can occur due to many different reasons. They can be common to all kinds of vehicles, and some are specific to large trucks. Speeding - truck drivers often travel a lot of miles in a short period of time and may speed up to reach their destination. Distractions - like texts, phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming, or other things that divert the driver's attention off the road. Stopping distance: larger trucks require more time to stop than passengers.
It is best to preserve evidence at the scene of the accident, therefore, make sure you take photos of any damages and the 18-wheeler that struck you as well as the site of the crash. Ask any witnesses to give an account of the incident. Contact them. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. If you do not attend to a medical appointment, the insurance company might make use of it in your claim.
Legal Assistance is available
If you've been involved in an accident that involved an 18-wheeler, it is recommended that you also contact an experienced lawyer. A quick call to an attorney 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 negotiate with you to less than your claim is worth. While you recuperate the money, let a seasoned attorney deal with the insurance company.
Trucking companies are regulated by federal and state laws as in private laws, which can add to the complexity of these cases. The trucking company will fight a case with a lot of force to limit their liability. An experienced lawyer can bargain with the trucking company to maximize the settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious accidents that can lead to major injuries. A McAllen lawyer for 18 wheeler accidents can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to for your injuries caused by car accidents, damages to your vehicle, lost wages, legal expenses and pain and suffering. A seasoned lawyer will ensure that you submit your claim within the two-year period of limitations. This is important, as stale evidence can be rejected or witnesses could die. Contact our firm for a free consultation if you've been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Getting an Agreement
There are a lot of factors that could affect the timeline it takes for an 18-wheeler crash case to settle. Some of these include disputes about the amount of liability and damages. If there are several parties involved, it can take longer to settle the lawsuit arising from a truck accident. The parties involved might not be willing to compromise, which could cause negotiations to take longer.
Once you've reached a negotiated settlement in your 18 wheeler accident the amount you will receive will depend on how severe your injuries were and the type of damages you sustained. The most common damages in this type of claim are medical bills loss of wages, medical bills, and property damage. When calculating damages, your attorney will take into consideration the costs of your current treatment as well as the future medical requirements. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However your lawyer will work with experts to construct an accurate representation of your losses.
Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they don't get paid until they succeed in their case or reach a settlement with their clients. The exact percentage of final settlement or court award that an attorney for plaintiffs receives is dependent on the state's laws and the specifics of each case. However, most attorneys in this field receive around a third of the final amount they receive for their clients.