How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
If someone is injured in a crash involving an 18 wheeler, the claim may take longer to settle than a typical car crash claim. Accidents involving trucks are usually accompanied by severe injuries.
There are many factors which affect the time it takes to reach an agreement. Here are some of the most important things to consider.
18 wheeler accident lawyer allen claims
Like any other vehicle that is on the road, 18 wheeler trucks must have at least a certain amount of insurance. This is due to the fact that collisions with large trucks are more likely to result in serious injuries and property damage in comparison to a typical car accident. These crashes can lead to death and catastrophic injuries. In light of this, it is vital that victims of these accidents submit a claim to receive the compensation they are entitled to.
While insurance for 18 wheelers is a must, it can be hard to find policies that can meet all your needs. Based on the type of cargo your trucks carry you may require additional types of insurance. For instance, hazmat carriers may require as much as $5 million in liability insurance. Other policies you may require include towing insurance, trailer interchange insurance, and cargo insurance.
An experienced attorney can assist you in determining what kind of coverage is required by your business. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies so that your claim is correctly resolved. In some cases insurance companies might try to limit their liability by declaring comparative fault. This can seriously devalue your claim. A lawyer can help argue against these claims to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. A skilled lawyer will ensure that you receive the money required to recover regardless of the manner in which you were hurt in your accident.
Settlements
In many instances, a truck accident victim will receive a settlement offer long before a lawsuit is filed. This offer is usually far from what the victim should receive. It's offered by the trucking company or their legal team. The victim should not accept a deal without speaking to a personal injury attorney first.
The value of a settlement is contingent on a variety of factors which include the severity of injuries, property damage and medical expenses. Additionally, non-economic damages can be considered, especially in cases where you've been emotionally or physically traumatized by the accident. However these losses are difficult to quantify and require expert analysis.
The final compensation amount will also be affected by the amount of liability. If you can prove that the person responsible for the accident has violated traffic laws, was negligently or caused the wreck due to another act of negligence, they will be accountable for the damages. There are also legal defenses that restrict their liability, including contributory or comparative negligence.
Owners of trucking companies may be held accountable for accidents. This can happen in the event that a driver operated a truck in poor condition, or when a company fails to maintain the vehicle. The cargo loading and shipping firm could also be held accountable for the cargo if it was improperly loaded or a part was defective.
Filing a lawsuit
If the insurance company fails to settle your claim fairly and you are left with no choice but to bring a lawsuit. This could delay the resolution of your case, however, it could also result in a bigger settlement of damages. Whether you choose to settle or go to trial, a skilled truck accident attorney is your best bet.
The insurance companies involved in this instance will try to make you feel like they are a bargain which is why you require a lawyer who will defend your rights. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer will examine your accident, determine the value of your injuries and ensure that you receive maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
In many 18-wheeler accidents there are many parties that are responsible. For example, if the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or violating hours of service regulations or his employer could be held responsible. In addition, the manufacturer of a vehicle component or repair shop could be held liable if a defective part caused the accident.
Moreover, cargo-loading or shipping companies could be held accountable for accidents involving their trucks. This is because these trucks must be loaded and shipped in a secure manner to prevent them from falling over or being jackknifed. Therefore, these companies must adhere to strict safety standards. Additionally, you can recover non-economic damages like discomfort and pain.
Trial
Negotiations with the insurance company are often used to settle the majority of truck accident cases. A fair settlement should cover all of your medical costs as well as treatment expenses and any other losses that you may or may incur. Your attorney can help you determine the possible future damages and the possibility of punitive damages.
The length of time it takes to obtain a fair and final settlement could depend on a variety of factors, and an experienced lawyer can help you through the process. The most important aspect is the extent of your injuries, which will affect the amount of compensation you're entitled to. Some injuries might be asymptomatic for a few weeks or even months, while others could have a lasting or long-lasting impact on your life.
It may also take time to determine fault, as it is not always immediately clear in 18 wheeler accidents. It is because multiple parties are accountable including the driver of the truck and the company that employs him. In some instances there could be mechanical problems with the vehicle that could cause a crash. In which case it could be necessary to hold the repair shop or manufacturer accountable for your damages.
There are many factors that can affect the size of a settlement for an 18-wheeler accident However, in general these cases tend to result in larger settlements than those involving cars. This is because of the nature of injuries and damages involved in these accidents, which can be devastating.