How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?

Accidents that involve large vehicles are more complex than accidents with other vehicles. Trucking companies also have legal teams who are determined to not admit fault and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.

A personal injury lawyer will examine the accident to determine who is at fault and fight for fair compensation. Here are some helpful tips to help you get started.

Collecting Evidence

A truck crash must be investigated and documented just like any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at site of the accident, collecting information about witnesses and taking photographs of the incident. The more evidence we can gather to support your claim, the greater your chances of receiving the amount you deserve.

A top lawyer will work with experts in the field of trucking and safety to collect all of this information. They will send spoliation notices to trucking companies to preserve any documentation they might have that proves violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which led to your accident. When authorities are investigating trucking companies often remove documents. A prompt response could aid in establishing your case.

Some of the most critical pieces of evidence that we collect come from the on-board technology of the truck and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal many things, such as the driver of the truck speeding or driving too long, which results in fatigue. It could also help determine who was at fault for the accident.

This is the reason it is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The time frame to file a claim is incredibly short, and even a month could be detrimental to your case. A qualified attorney can collect evidence and submit your claim before the deadline runs out.

Seek medical attention

It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as you can following an accident. You can treat your injuries while protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster attempts to speak with you, be courteous but firm enough to refer them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using what they say against you later on.

If a commercial vehicle gets into an accident, it can cause massive damage, and even serious injuries. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Certain are common to all types of vehicles, and some are unique to large trucks. Speeding - truckers often travel for miles in a short time, and may speed up to reach their destination. Distractions - like texting, 18 wheeler accidents phone calls, navigation systems, daydreaming, or other things that take the driver's focus off the road. Stopping distance: larger trucks need longer to stop when compared to passenger vehicles.

It is best to preserve evidence at the scene of the accident, so make sure to photograph any damages and the 18-wheeler that struck you, as and the crash site. If you have witnesses, obtain their contact details and ask them to provide a written statement in support of your case. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. The insurance company could consider your absence to the treatment against you when assessing your claim.

Getting Help from an Attorney

In addition to getting medical care, if you've been involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler accident attorney wheeler you must contact an experienced attorney. The best way to secure your rights and obtain the most compensation for your injuries is to hire an attorney as soon as you can. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting with an attorney. They will try to force you to accept a lower amount than your claim is worth. While you recover the money, let a seasoned attorney handle 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. Often, the trucking company will defend a case aggressively to minimize their liability. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the trucking company to maximize your settlement.

Large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen lawyer for 18 wheeler accidents can help you get the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, car damage, lost wages, legal expenses and pain and suffering. A lawyer with experience will ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the two-year period of limitation. This is crucial as old evidence may be rejected or witnesses may have died. If you've been injured in an accident caused by an 18-wheeler, contact our firm to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Get a Settlement

There are many variables which can affect the amount of time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler crash case. This includes disputes over damages and liability. It may take longer to settle a truck crash lawsuit in the event that there are multiple parties involved. These parties might not be willing to compromise which can lead negotiations to take longer.

Once you've negotiated a settlement in your 18-wheeler accident the amount you'll receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and what kind of damages you suffered. In this type of case the most frequent damages are medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. When calculating damages, your attorney will take into consideration the cost of your current treatment as well as your future medical needs. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However, your lawyer will work closely with experts to construct an accurate estimate of your loss.

Most plaintiff attorneys are paid on an hourly basis, which means they don't get paid until they win the case or reach an agreement with their clients. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award a plaintiff attorney receives depends on state law and the details of each case. However, most lawyers in this field take around a third of the final amount of compensation they receive for their clients.