How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large vehicles are more complex than accidents that involve other vehicles. Trucking companies also have teams of lawyers who are determined not to admit responsibility and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs get.
A personal injury lawyer will look into the incident and determine who is responsible. They will also fight for fair compensation. The following are some tips to help you begin.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident has to be investigated and documented as any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at the site of the accident, collecting information about witnesses and taking photographs of the incident. The more evidence we can gather to prove your claim, the greater your chances of receiving the amount you deserve.
This information will be collected by an experienced lawyer who will work with trucking and safety experts. They will then send spoliation requests to companies that handle trucking to save any documentation that proves that they violated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that caused your accident. If authorities are conducting an investigation trucking companies often eliminate documents. A quick response can aid in the development of your case.
The logbook and the on-board technology of the truck are two of the most important pieces of evidence we collect. This information can reveal a variety of things, such as the truck driver's fatigue and speed. It could also help determine who was at fault for the accident.
It is important to contact an attorney immediately after the incident. Even a month's time can be detrimental to your case. An experienced lawyer can gather evidence and submit your claim before the deadline expires.
Receiving Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you can after an accident. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit san angelo can take care of your injuries while protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster attempts to speak to you, be courteous but firm enough to forward them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using your words against you in the future.
If a commercial vehicle gets in an accident, it may cause major damage and even serious injuries. These accidents occur for many reasons. They can be common to all types of vehicles, whereas others are unique to large trucks. Speeding - since truck drivers are required to travel many miles in a short time, they may try to reach their destination faster by speeding up. Distractions like texts, phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming, or other things that take the driver's attention from the road. Stopping distance: larger trucks need a longer time to stop than passengers.
It is essential to preserve any evidence that is found at the crash site. Take pictures of the damage and the 18-wheeler that struck you, and the scene of the crash. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact details and ask them to provide a written statement in support of your case. Seek treatment for your injuries and be sure to go to all follow-up appointments. If you don't attend a treatment, the insurance company might use that against you in your claim.
Get Legal Assistance
If you've been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, it is recommended that you also contact an experienced lawyer. The best way to protect your rights and secure the most money for your injuries is by hiring an attorney as soon as possible. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting an attorney. They will try to get you to take a lesser amount than your claim is worth. While you recuperate your claim, let an experienced lawyer deal with the insurance company.
Trucking companies are subject to federal and state laws, as well as private laws, which can increase the complexity of these cases. Trucking companies are often aggressive in their efforts to defend a case to reduce their own liability. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the trucking firm to maximize your settlement.
Accidents involving large trucks may cause serious injuries. A McAllen 18 wheeler accident lawyer will help you obtain the compensation you're entitled to for your injuries, car damage, lost wages, legal fees and pain and loss. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the two-year limitation period. This is important, as the evidence that is not current can be dismissed or witnesses may pass away. If you have been injured in an accident involving an 18 wheeler, call our firm for an appointment free of charge.
Inquiring for an Agreement
There are a lot of factors that could affect the timeline it takes for an 18-wheeler crash case to reach a settlement. This includes disputes over liability and damages. If there are multiple parties involved, it might take longer to settle the lawsuit arising from a truck accident. These parties may not be willing to compromise and this could cause negotiations to take longer.
The amount you receive after the settlement has been made in your 18-wheeler collision case will be based on the severity of your injuries and injuries you sustained. The most common damages in this type of claim are medical bills along with lost wages and property damage. Your lawyer will take into consideration the cost of your current treatment as well as your future medical needs in the calculation of your damages. The non-economic damages are usually more difficult to quantify, however your lawyer will work with expert witnesses to create an overall image of your losses.
Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on the basis of a contingency, which means they are not paid until they succeed in their case or reach an agreement with their clients. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award that the plaintiff attorney receives will depend on the laws of the state and specifics of each case. The majority of lawyers in this field only take a third of their client's final compensation.