How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
When someone gets injured in a crash involving an 18 wheeler, the case can be more difficult to settle than a typical car accident claim. This is due to the fact that truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
There are many factors that determine the time required to reach an agreement. Here are a few of the most important things to consider.
Insurance claims
Like every other vehicle on the road, 18 wheeler trucks are required to have at least a certain amount of insurance. This is due to a reason. Accidents involving big trucks can result in more severe damage to property and injuries than a regular car accident. In fact, these crashes often cause death and a number of catastrophic injuries. It is essential that the victims of these accidents file a claim to receive the compensation they deserve.
While insurance for 18 wheelers is a must however, it can be difficult to find policies that can meet all your needs. Based on the nature of the cargo your trucks carry you may require additional types of coverage. For example, hazmat carriers might require upwards of $5 million in liability insurance. Towing insurance and trailer exchange insurance and cargo coverage are all possible policies.
In addition to this, an experienced attorney can help you decide what types of coverage your company requires. He or she will also assist you with negotiating with the insurance companies to ensure that your claim is resolved. In some cases, insurance companies will try to decrease their liability by claiming that they are liable for comparative negligence. This can seriously diminish the value of your claim. A lawyer can assist you debunk these claims and ensure you get the maximum compensation that you are entitled to. A skilled lawyer will ensure that you receive the amount required to recover regardless of the manner in which you were injured in your accident.
Settlements
In many cases, a truck accident victim will receive an initial settlement offer prior to the time the filing of a lawsuit. The insurance company for the trucking company or legal team will offer this offer, which is often significantly less than what the victim is entitled to. A victim should never accept this offer without talking to a personal injury attorney first.
The value of the settlement is contingent upon many variables, including the extent of injuries and property damage. It also is contingent on medical expenses. Additionally, non-economic damages can be considered, especially if the crash left you physically and emotionally distressed. However, these losses are harder to quantify and require expert analysis.
The issue of establishing liability is another crucial factor that determines the final amount of compensation. If you can prove the responsible party committed a violation of traffic laws, acted negligently or caused the wreck by some other wrongdoing, they'll be responsible for paying your damages. However, there are other legal defenses to restrict their liability, like contributory negligence or comparative fault.
Owners of trucking companies may also be held liable for an accident. This could happen if the driver of the truck was operating in poor conditions or the company did not maintain the vehicle in good repair. In addition, if the cargo was not properly loaded or the equipment of the truck was not working properly the shipping and cargo loading company could be held accountable.
Filing a lawsuit
If the insurance company is unable to provide a fair settlement and you are left with no choice but to make a claim. This can increase the timeline to a resolution, but can result in a larger amount of damages. Whether you choose to settle or go to trial, a skilled truck accident lawyer is the best choice.
The insurance companies involved in this situation will attempt to undercut you, so you require a lawyer who will protect your rights. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer can review your crash, determine the amount of your damages and ensure that you receive the maximum damages for your injuries.
In many 18-wheeler collisions there are a variety of parties liable. If the driver of the truck was driving under the influence of alcohol or if he violated the hours of service regulations then his employer could be held accountable. In addition, the maker of a part for a vehicle or repair shop may be held responsible when a defect in a component caused the accident.
Furthermore, cargo loading and shipping companies could be held accountable for accidents that involve their trucks. The trucks are required to be loaded and transported in a safe manner to prevent them from tipping or being jackknifed. These companies are required by law to follow strict safety regulations. Additionally, you can seek compensation for non-economic losses like discomfort and pain.
Trial
Most cases involving truck accidents are resolved through negotiations with the insurance company. A fair settlement should be based on all medical expenses along with treatment costs and other losses you may have and are likely to suffer. Your lawyer can also assist you in determining the potential damages that your future losses could be, as well as whether punitive damages are appropriate.
A qualified attorney can help you through this process. 18 wheeler accident claim roseville of your injuries will determine the amount of compensation you will receive. Certain injuries could only be affecting you for a few weeks or even months, while others could have a permanent or long-lasting impact on your life.
In 18-wheeler accidents, it may take a while to determine who is responsible. This is due to the possibility that there could be multiple responsible parties such as the driver of the truck as well as the company who employs them. In some instances, there might be mechanical problems caused by the vehicle that result in the vehicle to crash. In this scenario it might be necessary to hold the repair shop or manufacturer responsible for the damages.
There are many factors that can influence the size of a settlement for an 18-wheeler, however, these types of cases tend to have larger settlements overall in comparison to those involving automobiles. This is due to the seriousness of the injuries and damages that could be caused by these accidents.