How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?

Accidents with large vehicles are more complicated than accidents that involve other vehicles. In addition, trucking firms have teams of attorneys who are determined to deny any liability and limit the amount of compensation that plaintiffs receive.

A personal injury attorney will investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and fight for fair compensation. The following are a few tips to help you begin.

Collecting Evidence

As with any crash an accident involving a truck needs to be thoroughly assessed and documented. This includes gathering evidence from the scene of the accident, obtaining witnesses, and gathering photographs of the accident. The more evidence we can gather to support your claim, higher your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

A top lawyer will collaborate with experts in the field of trucking and safety to collect all this information. They will then send spoliation requests to trucking companies to preserve any documentation that proves that they violated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which led to your accident. When authorities are investigating trucking companies often destroy documents. A quick response can aid in establishing your case.

Some of the most critical pieces of evidence that we gather are derived from the truck's onboard technology and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal many things, like the driver speeding up or driving too long, resulting in fatigue. This information can also be used to determine who is the responsible party for an accident.

This is why it's imperative to consult a lawyer as quickly as you can following the incident. Even a month could be detrimental to your case. A qualified attorney can collect evidence and file your claim before the deadline ends.

Get Medical Attention

It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly after an accident. You can treat your injuries while protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster wants to talk to you, politely but firmly refer them to your attorney. This will prevent them from using what you say against you later on.

A commercial truck can cause serious damage and even injuries if it is involved in an accident. Accidents can happen due to many different reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, while some are only for large trucks. Speeding - truck drivers typically travel for miles in a short time, and might speed up to get to their destination. Distractions, such as phone calls, texting and navigation systems. Daydreaming is a different distraction that could distract the driver from the road. Distance to stop - larger trucks need a longer time to stop than passenger vehicles.

It is vital to save any evidence at the accident site. Take pictures of the damage, the 18-wheeler that hit you and the crash scene. If you have witnesses, contact them with their details and ask them provide a statement for your case. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. If you skip a treatment or appointment, the insurance company could apply that to your claim.

Finding Help from an Attorney

If you've been involved in an accident that involved an 18-wheeler, it is recommended that you also contact an experienced lawyer. Engaging an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to protect yourself and get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting an attorney. They will try to convince you to pay less than your claim is worth. While you recover the money, let a seasoned attorney deal with the insurance company.

The trucking industry is subject to federal, state and private laws. This can make cases more difficult. Often, the trucking company will fight a case vigorously to minimize their liability. A skilled lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking business to maximize the settlement.

Large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen 18 wheeler accident lawyer will help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries as well as car damage, lost wages, legal costs, and pain and suffering. A lawyer with experience will ensure that your case is filed within the two-year time limit. This is vital, attorneys since the evidence that is not current can be dismissed or witnesses could die. Call our firm for a free consultation if you've been injured by an 18-wheeler.

Make a Settlement

There are a myriad of factors that affect the time it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. This includes disputes over damages and liability. If there are multiple parties involved, it could take longer to settle the lawsuit arising from a truck accident. These parties may not be willing to compromise, which could cause negotiations to take longer.

The amount you receive after settlement has been reached in your 18-wheeler collision case will depend on the severity of your injuries and the injuries you sustained. The most common damages that are incurred in this kind of claim are medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. When calculating damages, your attorney will take into consideration the costs of your current treatment and the future medical requirements. Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. However, your lawyer will work with experts to provide an accurate picture of your losses.

Most plaintiff attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don't get paid unless they prevail in their clients' cases or negotiate a settlement for them. The exact percentage of final settlement or court award that an attorney for plaintiffs receives is dependent on the law of the state and specifics of each case. However, the majority of attorneys in this field receive about a third or less of the final amount they receive for their clients.