How 18 wheeler accident claim peoria Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with large vehicles are more complex than accidents with other vehicles. In addition, companies that transport goods 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 accident and determine who is at fault. They will also fight for fair compensation. The following are some tips to help you begin.
Collecting Evidence
A truck accident needs to be investigated and documented like any other crash. This includes gathering evidence at scene of an accident, obtaining witness information and taking photos of the incident. The more evidence we can gather to prove your claim, the greater your chances of receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
This information will be collected by an experienced lawyer, working with safety and trucking experts. They will send spoliation letters to companies that handle trucking to save any documentation that proves violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which led to your accident. Trucking companies typically eliminate these documents when they are under the scrutiny of authorities, so a quick response is essential to build your case.
Some of the most important pieces of evidence that we collect are from the truck's onboard technology and the driver's logbook. This data can reveal a variety of aspects, including the driver of the truck speeding or driving too long, which results in fatigue. This information can also be used to determine who is at fault for an accident.
This is why it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Even a month's time can be detrimental to your case. A qualified attorney can collect evidence and submit your claim before the deadline ends.
Seek medical attention
It is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. You can treat your injuries while also protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster attempts to speak with you, do not be rude but refer them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using your words against you in the future.
A commercial truck can cause severe damage and even injuries if involved in an accident. Accidents can occur due to many different reasons. Some of these accidents are common for all vehicles, while some are only for large trucks. Speeding - since truck drivers have to cover for a long distance in a short amount of time, they might try to get to their destination faster by speeding up. Distractions, such as texting, phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming, or other things that take the driver's focus off the road. Stopping distance - larger vehicles require more time to stop than passenger vehicles.
It is crucial to preserve any evidence found at the accident site. Photograph the damage, the 18-wheeler that hit you, as well as the scene of the crash. If you have witnesses, obtain their contact information and ask them to provide a statement for your case. Seek treatment for your injuries, and go to every follow-up appointment. The insurance company could use your failure to attend the treatment against you when evaluating your claim.
Legal Assistance is available
If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced lawyer. Engaging an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to safeguard yourself and to receive the most compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. They will attempt to make you settle to less than your claim is worth. While you recover, let an experienced attorney handle the insurance company.
Trucking companies are governed by federal and state laws, as well as private laws, which can add to the complexity of these cases. Most often, the trucking business will defend a case aggressively to limit their liability. A skilled lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking company in order to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks cause serious accidents that can result in serious injuries. A McAllen 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, which includes the cost of your injuries and vehicle damage, as well as loss of wages and legal expenses. An experienced lawyer will also ensure that you have your case filed within the two-year time frame of limitations. This is essential, because the evidence that is not current can be dismissed or witnesses could pass away. If you've been injured in an accident caused by an 18 wheeler, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation.
Find a Settlement
There are many variables that can influence the time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. These include disputes over damages and liability. It can also take longer to settle a truck crash lawsuit in the event that there are multiple parties involved. The parties involved might not be willing to compromise and this could cause negotiations to take longer.
If you've reached a negotiated settlement in your 18 wheeler accident the amount you get will depend on how severe your injuries were and the kind of damages you sustained. The most common damages that are incurred in this kind of claim are medical expenses as well as lost wages and property damage. Your attorney will look at the costs of your current treatment and your future medical requirements in calculating your damages. Non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify. However your lawyer will work closely with experts to construct an accurate estimate of your losses.
Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on the basis of a contingency, which means they do not get paid until they succeed in their case or reach a settlement with their clients. The percentage of settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney receives will depend on the state's laws and the particulars of each case. However, most lawyers in this field take approximately a third of final settlement for their clients.