How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
If someone is injured in a crash with an 18 wheeler, the case may take longer to resolve than a typical car accident claim. This is because truck accidents typically cause severe injuries.
There are many factors that affect the time it takes to reach an agreement. Here are some of the most important aspects.
Insurance claims
Like all vehicles on the road, 18 wheeler truckers must have a minimum level of insurance. This is due to a reason. Accidents involving large trucks can cause more severe injuries and property damage than a typical car crash. These accidents often cause death and severe injuries. It is therefore crucial for victims of these accidents to seek the compensation they deserve.
Although 18 wheeler insurance is a must but it isn't always easy to find policies that can meet all your needs. 18 wheeler accident law firm new york may require additional insurance based on the type and quantity of cargo that your trucks transport. For instance, hazmat carriers might require upwards of $5 million in liability insurance. Other policies you could need include towing insurance, trailer interchange insurance, and cargo insurance.
A knowledgeable attorney can also assist you in determining what kind of insurance coverage is required by your company. The attorney can also help you negotiate with insurance companies so that your claim is correctly settled. In certain situations insurance companies may attempt to reduce their liability through claiming comparative fault. This can significantly diminish the value of your claim. A lawyer can help to counter these claims and receive the most compensation you are entitled to. A skilled lawyer will ensure that you receive the money needed to recuperate regardless of how you were injured in your accident.
Settlements
In many instances, the victim of a truck crash will be offered a settlement prior to filing a lawsuit. This offer is usually lower than what the victim is entitled to. It is made by the trucking company or their legal team. The victim should not accept a deal without talking to an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
The amount of a settlement will depend on a variety of factors such as the degree of injuries, property damage and medical expenses. Other damages that are not economic can also be a factor, particularly in cases where the crash caused you to be emotionally and physically distressed. However, these losses are harder to quantify and require expert analysis.
The amount you will receive in compensation will also be affected by the amount of liability. If you can prove that the responsible party has violated traffic laws, was negligently or caused the accident through some other act of infraction, they'll be responsible for paying your damages. There are a variety of legal defenses that may limit their liability. They include comparative fault and contributory negligence.
The owner of the trucking business could also be held responsible for the accident. This is a possibility if the driver of the truck was operating it under poor conditions or if the company failed to keep the vehicle in good shape. In addition, if cargo was not properly loaded or a component of the truck was defective the shipping and cargo loading company could be held responsible.
Filing a lawsuit
You could be required to file a lawsuit if the insurance company does not offer an acceptable settlement. This can increase the timeline to a resolution however, it could also result in a larger amount of damages. If you decide to settle or go to trial, a seasoned truck accident attorney is your best option.
The insurance companies in this situation are likely to attempt to undercut you which is why you need a lawyer who will defend your rights. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer can review your crash, determine the amount of your damages and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
In many 18 wheeler crashes several parties are responsible. For instance, if a truck driver was under the influence or breaking the hours of service rules and his employer could be held accountable. The manufacturer of a vehicle repair shop or component could also be held responsible when the part that was defective was the reason for the accident.
Additionally, cargo-loading or shipping companies could be held accountable for accidents involving their trucks. The trucks are required to be loaded and transported in a safe manner to avoid them tipping or striking jackknifing. They are required to adhere to strict safety rules. The law also permits you to seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Trial
The majority of truck accidents are resolved through negotiations with the insurance company, and a fair settlement should include all of your medical expenses or treatment costs, as well as other losses that you will suffer. Your lawyer can help you determine the possible future damages, as well as whether punitive damages are appropriate.
The amount of time required to receive a complete and final settlement can depend on a variety of factors, and an experienced lawyer will be able to guide you through the procedure. The most important aspect is the severity of your injuries, which will influence the amount of compensation you're entitled to. Some injuries will only impact you for a few weeks or months and others could have a lasting effects on your life.
In the event of an 18-wheeler accident, it can take time to determine who is at fault. This is because there can be multiple parties at fault which include the driver of the truck and the company which employs them. In some instances, there may be mechanical issues with the vehicle that result in a crash, in the event of a crash, it is necessary to hold the repair shop or manufacturer accountable for the damages you suffer.
There are a myriad of factors that can influence the size of a settlement for an 18-wheeler, however, these cases tend to have larger settlements overall than those involving automobiles. This is due to the nature of the injuries and the damages caused by these accidents, which can often be devastating.