The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys
How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents with big trucks are more complicated than other types of accidents. Additionally, trucking companies have teams of lawyers who are determined to deny any liability and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
An attorney who is a personal injury lawyer will investigate the accident to determine who's responsible and fight for fair compensation. The following are a few tips to help you start.
Collecting evidence
Like all crashes any other type of crash, a truck accident has to be properly assessed and documented. This includes collecting evidence from the site of the accident, gathering witnesses, and obtaining photographs of the incident. The more evidence you can provide to support your claim, the greater your chances of receiving compensation increase.
This information will be collected by an experienced lawyer working with trucking and safety experts. They will send spoliation letters to trucking companies to preserve any documentation which proves a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which led to your accident. Trucking companies often erase these documents if they are under scrutiny by authorities, and a swift response is crucial to establishing your case.
The most crucial pieces of evidence that we gather are derived from the truck's on-board technology and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal many things, including the truck driver's fatigue and speed. It can also help identify who was responsible for the accident.
This is the reason it is essential to get an attorney as soon as you can after the incident. The timeframe to file a claim is very limited, and even one month could be detrimental to your case. A competent attorney can collect evidence and prepare your claim prior to the deadline expires.
Get Medical Attention
It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly after an accident. This will help you treat your injuries and also protects your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster wants to speak with you, be courteous but firm enough to refer them to your attorney. This will stop them from using your words against you in the future.
When a commercial truck gets into an accident, it may cause significant damage and serious injuries. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Some of these accidents are common to all vehicles, whereas some are only for large trucks. 18 wheeler accident lawyer houston - since truck drivers are required to travel many miles within a short time, they might attempt to reach their destination quicker by driving too fast. Distractions, such as texting, phone calls navigation systems, daydreaming or other activities that take a driver's attention away from the road. Stopping distance is longer for larger trucks and require more time to stop as compared to passenger vehicles.
It is essential to preserve any evidence from the accident site. Take photos of the damage, the 18-wheeler that hit you and the crash scene. Witnesses are asked to provide an account of your situation. Get their contact information. Get treatment for your injuries, and go to every follow-up appointment. The insurance company may consider your absence to an appointment against you when assessing your claim.
Get Legal Help
In addition to getting medical treatment, if you've been involved in an accident involving an 18 wheeler You should consult an experienced attorney. The best way to secure your rights and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries is to hire an attorney immediately. Do not contact the insurance company before consulting with an attorney. They will try to force you to settle for less than what your claim is worth. When you are recovering your claim, let an experienced lawyer deal with the insurance company.
The trucking industry is subject to federal and state laws as well as private. This can make cases more complicated. The trucking company will fight a case with a lot of force to minimize their liability. A skilled lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking firm to maximize your settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious accidents that can lead to serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers can assist you in obtaining the amount of compensation you are entitled to, including for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and legal fees. An experienced lawyer will also ensure that you make your claim within the two year statute of limitations. This is vital, since in the event of a case being dismissed, evidence that is old may be invalidated or witnesses may pass away. Contact us for a free consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Find a Settlement
There are a variety of variables that can impact the time frame required for an 18 wheeler accident case to settle. Some of these are disputes over damages and liability. It can also take longer to settle a truck crash lawsuit when there multiple parties involved. The parties could be hesitant to compromise, which could result in lengthy discussions.
The amount you get after settlement has been reached in the case of an 18-wheeler crash will depend on the severity of your injuries as well as the damages you sustained. In this type of claim, the most common damages are medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. Your lawyer will analyze the cost of your current treatment as well as your future medical needs when calculating your damages. Non-economic damages are typically more difficult to quantify, but your lawyer will work with expert witnesses to build a comprehensive image of your losses.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on an on-going basis, meaning they do not get paid until they win the case or reach an agreement with their clients. The percentage of a settlement or court award that a plaintiff attorney gets depends on the state's law and the specifics of each case. The majority of lawyers in this field only take one third of their clients' final settlement.