How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
It may take longer for a car accident claim to be resolved than an 18-wheeler crash. This is because truck accidents usually cause serious injuries.
However, each truck accident is unique and there are a variety of factors that affect how long it takes to settle. Here are a few of the most important things to consider.
Insurance claims
Just like all vehicles on the road, 18-wheeler truckers are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance. This is because collisions with large trucks are more likely to cause serious injuries and property damage compared to a normal car accident. In reality, these accidents often cause death and severe injuries. It is therefore important that the victims of these accidents file a claim to receive the compensation they are entitled to.
It can be a challenge to find a policy that meets all your needs even though coverage for 18 wheelers is a must. Based on the nature of the cargo your trucks transport it is possible that you will require additional kinds of insurance. Hazmat carriers, for instance might require liability insurance of up to $5 million. Towing insurance or trailer exchange insurance and cargo coverage are just a few possible policies.
A skilled attorney can assist you in determining what type of coverage is required by your company. He or she will help you negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that your claim is resolved. In some cases, insurance companies may try to minimize their liability by claiming comparative negligence. This can severely devalue your claim. An attorney can help argue against these claims to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve. Regardless of how you were injured in the accident, a knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you receive the amount you need to recover.
Settlements
In many instances, a truck accident victim will receive an initial settlement offer before the filing of a lawsuit. The insurance company for the trucking company or legal team will make this offer, which will usually be considerably less than the victim's right to. This offer should never be accepted without consulting an attorney for personal injuries.
The value of a settlement will depend on many factors which include the severity of injuries, property damage, and medical costs. The non-economic damage can also be considered, especially in cases where the crash caused you to be emotionally and physically distressed. These damages are difficult to quantify and require expert analysis.
The amount you will receive in compensation is also influenced by the determination of the liability. If you can prove that the responsible party has violated traffic laws, was negligently or caused the wreck due to another act of infraction, they'll be liable for paying your damages. There are also other legal defenses that may restrict their liability. They include comparative fault and contributory negligence.
The owner of the trucking company may also be held responsible for the accident. This is possible if the driver of the truck was operating it in poor conditions, or if the company did not keep the vehicle in good shape. The cargo loading and shipping firm could also be held responsible if the cargo had been improperly loaded or a part was defective.
Filing a lawsuit
You could be required to file a suit in the event that the insurance company does not provide a fair settlement. This could delay the resolution of your case, but it can also result in a bigger settlement. A lawyer for truck accidents is the best choice, whether you choose to settle or go to court.
You need someone to protect your rights because insurance companies will try to reduce the value of your claim. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer will review your crash and determine the amount of the damages to ensure that you get the most compensation.
In many 18 wheeler crashes the parties involved are accountable. If the truck driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or if he violated the hours of service regulations then his employer may be held responsible. A manufacturer of a vehicle repair shop or component could be held accountable when the part that was defective was responsible for the accident.
Moreover, cargo-loading or shipping companies could be held accountable for accidents that happen to their trucks. This is because the trucks have to be loaded and transported in a safe manner to prevent them from tipping over or striking jackknifing. Consequently, these companies must follow strict safety rules. The law also allows you to claim non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
Trial
Negotiations with insurance companies are used to settle most cases of truck accidents. A fair settlement should include all medical expenses including treatment and medical expenses, as well as any other losses you have or will incur. Your lawyer can also help you determine the potential damages that your future losses could be, as well as whether punitive damages may be applicable.
A qualified attorney can guide you through this procedure. The extent of your injuries will determine how much compensation you are likely to receive. Certain injuries will only affect you for only a few weeks or even months but others will have a a longer or permanent impact on your life.
It can take a long time to determine fault, because it's not always obvious in 18 wheeler collisions. This is because several parties could be held accountable including the driver of the truck and the company who employs him. In 18 wheeler accident lawyer augusta there may be mechanical problems with the vehicle which cause a crash. In this instance it is possible to hold the repair shop or manufacturer responsible for the damages.
There are a myriad of variables that could affect the amount of an 18-wheeler's settlement, however, these cases tend have larger settlements overall than those involving automobiles. This is due to the seriousness of the injuries and damages that can be caused by these accidents.