How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents that involve large vehicles are more complex than accidents that involve other types of vehicles. In addition, trucking firms have teams of lawyers who are determined to avoid any liability and limit the amount of compensation that plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will conduct an investigation into the incident and determine who is accountable. They will also fight for fair compensation. Here are some helpful tips to assist you in your search for a lawyer.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident must be investigated and documented as any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at the scene of an accident, obtaining information from witnesses as well as taking photos of the incident. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the greater your chances of receiving compensation are increased.
A top lawyer will work with experts in the field of trucking and safety to gather all of this information. They will send spoliation warnings to companies that operate trucks in order to save any documents that may prove violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that caused your accident. Trucking companies often remove these documents when they are under scrutiny by authorities, and a swift response is essential in establishing your case.
The logbook and on-board technology of the truck are two of the most crucial pieces of evidence we can collect. This data can reveal a variety of things, like the truck driver's fatigue or speed. This information can also be used to determine who is the responsible party for an accident.
This is why it's important to speak with an attorney as soon as you can after the accident. 18 wheeler accident lawyer buena park for make a claim is extremely short, and even one month can hurt your case. A competent attorney can collect evidence and draft your claim before the deadline runs out.
Get Medical Attention
It is essential to seek medical attention promptly following an accident. You can treat your injuries while also protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster tries to speak to you, politely but firmly forward them to your attorney. This will stop them from using your words against you in the future.
When a commercial truck is involved into an accident, it may cause massive damage, and even serious injuries. These accidents happen for a variety reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, and some are only for large trucks. Speeding is a problem for truck drivers. Since they are required to travel many miles in a short amount of time, they may try to get there quicker by driving too fast. Distractions - like phone calls, texting, navigation systems, daydreaming or other activities that take a driver's attention from the road. Stopping distance: larger trucks require more time to stop than cars for passengers.
It is recommended to keep evidence at the scene of the accident so be sure to take pictures of any damage and the 18-wheeler that struck you as well as the crash site. Witnesses are asked to provide their testimony in your case. Find their contact details. 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.
Get Legal Assistance
If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler vehicle, you should also contact an experienced lawyer. Contacting an attorney right away is the best way to protect yourself and receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting with an attorney. They will try to get you to settle to less than your claim is worth. While you recuperate your claim, let an experienced lawyer deal with the insurance company.
The trucking industry is governed by federal law, state and private laws. This can make these cases more complex. Often, the trucking company will fight a case vigorously to limit their liability. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the trucking firm to maximize the settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious accidents that can cause serious injuries. A McAllen 18 wheeler accident lawyer can assist you in getting the compensation you're due for your injuries caused by car accidents, damages to your vehicle, lost wages, legal costs and pain and loss. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you make your claim within the two-year statute of limitations. This is important, as in the event of a case being dismissed, evidence that is old may be invalidated or witnesses may pass away. Contact us today for a free consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Getting an Agreement
There are many variables that affect the time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler collision case. These include disputes over liability and damages. If there are several parties involved, it may take longer to settle the lawsuit arising from a truck accident. The parties could be hesitant to compromise, which can result in prolonged negotiations.
The amount you get after a settlement has been reached in your case involving an 18-wheeler accident will be contingent upon the severity of your injuries and damages you suffered. The most frequent damages in this type of case include medical bills as well as lost wages and property damage. When calculating damages, your attorney will take into consideration the cost of your current treatment as well as the future medical requirements. The non-economic damages are usually more difficult to quantify, however your lawyer will work with experts to develop an overall image of your losses.
Most plaintiff lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don't get paid until they succeed in winning their clients' cases or reach a settlement with them. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award that an attorney for plaintiffs receives is dependent on the law of the state and particulars of each case. However, the majority of lawyers in this field earn about a third of the final compensation for their clients.