The Ultimate Glossary On Terms About 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys
How Long Does an 18 Wheeler Case Take to Settle?
Accidents caused by big trucks are more complicated than other kinds of accidents. Trucking companies also have legal teams who are determined not to admit responsibility and limit the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive.
A personal injury lawyer will look into the accident to determine who is responsible and fight for fair compensation. The following are some tips to help you get started.
Collecting evidence
A truck accident must be investigated and documented like any other crash. This involves gathering evidence at the site of the accident, gathering information about witnesses and taking photos of the incident. The more evidence we have to support your claim, the higher your chances of receiving the amount you are entitled to.
The information will be gathered by a top lawyer in conjunction with trucking and safety experts. They will issue spoliation notifications to trucking companies in order to save any documents that could show violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which led to your accident. Trucking companies typically erase these documents if they are under scrutiny by authorities, so a quick response is crucial to establishing your case.
Some of the most important pieces of evidence that we collect come from the truck's on-board technology and the driver's logbook. This information can reveal many things, including the truck driver speeding or driving too long, resulting in fatigue. This information can also be used to determine who is to blame for the accident.
This is why it's crucial to contact a lawyer as quickly as you can following the incident. Even a month's time can be detrimental to your case. A qualified lawyer can gather evidence and draft the claim prior to the deadline expires.
In need of medical attention
Getting medical attention right after an accident is crucial. You can take care of your injuries while protecting your legal rights. If an insurance adjuster tries to contact you, be polite but firm and forward them to your attorney. This will stop 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 happen due to many different reasons. Some of these accidents are common for all vehicles, while others are unique to large trucks. Speeding is a problem for truck drivers. Since they have to cover for a long distance in a short time, they may try to get there quicker by driving too fast. Distractions, such as phone calls, texting, navigation systems, daydreaming, or other activities that take the driver's attention from the road. Distance to stop: larger trucks require more time to stop as compared to passenger vehicles.
It is vital to save any evidence that is found at the crash site. Take pictures of the damage and the 18-wheeler that struck you and the crash site. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact details and ask them to give a statement in your case. Attend all appointments and seek treatment for your injuries. If you don't attend a treatment or appointment, the insurance company could make use of it in your claim.
Contacting an Attorney for Help
In addition to getting medical treatment, if you've been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you should contact an experienced attorney. The best way to protect your rights and get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries is to engage an attorney as soon as possible. Do not contact the insurance company prior to consulting with an attorney. They will attempt to convince you to settle for less than what your claim is worth. While you recuperate you should let an experienced attorney deal with the insurance company.
Trucking companies are regulated by federal and state laws as in private laws, which can increase the complexity of these cases. The trucking company will fight a case with a lot of force to limit their liability. An experienced lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with the trucking company in order to maximize the settlement.
Large trucks can cause serious injuries. A McAllen attorney for accidents involving 18 wheelers can help you get the compensation you're entitled to for your injuries caused by car accidents, damages to your vehicle, lost wages, legal fees as well as pain and suffering. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you file your lawsuit within the two-year period of limitations. This is important, as the evidence you have submitted may be discarded or witnesses could have passed away. Contact our firm for a free consultation if you have been injured by an 18-wheeler.
Finding A Settlement
There are many things that could impact the timeframe it takes an 18 wheeler accident case to settle. This includes disagreements over the amount of damages and liability. If there are
18 wheeler accident law firm sunnyvale involved, it could take longer to settle the truck accident lawsuit. The parties involved may be hesitant to compromise, which can cause lengthy negotiations.
Once you've reached a negotiated settlement in your 18-wheeler accident the amount you get will be determined by how severe your injuries were and the kind of damages you suffered. The most common damages in this type of claim are medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. When the calculation of damages, your lawyer will consider the cost of your current treatment and your future medical needs. The non-economic damages are usually more difficult to quantify, however your lawyer will work with expert witnesses to construct an accurate image of your losses.
The majority of plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they are not paid until they succeed in their case or reach an agreement with their clients. The exact percentage of the final settlement or court award the plaintiff attorney receives is contingent on the state's laws and the specifics of each case. The majority of lawyers in this field take about a third of their client's final compensation.
