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 collision. This is due to the fact that truck accidents typically cause severe injuries.
There are many factors that affect the time it takes to come to an agreement. Here are some of the most crucial factors.
Insurance claims
Just like all vehicles on the road, 18-wheeler truckers are required to have a minimum level of insurance. This is for good reason. Collisions with large trucks can cause more severe injuries and property damage than a regular car accident. In fact, these wrecks often result in death and devastating injuries. It is therefore important that victims of these wrecks seek the compensation they are entitled to.
Although 18 wheeler insurance is a must but it isn't always easy to find policies that can meet all your requirements. Based on the nature of the cargo your trucks transport you might require additional types of coverage. For example, hazmat carriers might require upwards of $5 million in liability insurance. Other policies you may require include towing insurance, trailer interchange insurance, and cargo insurance.
An experienced attorney can help you determine what type of insurance coverage is required by your company. The attorney can also assist you in negotiating with insurance companies so that your claim can be correctly settled. In some instances, insurance companies might try to minimize their liability by claiming negligence of a comparative nature. This could greatly diminish your claim. A lawyer can assist you to refute these claims and receive the most compensation you are entitled to. Regardless of how you were injured in the accident, a skilled lawyer will ensure you get the amount you're entitled to.
Settlements
In many instances, the victim of a truck crash will be offered a settlement prior to filing an action. The insurance company of the trucking company or legal team will present this offer, which is usually considerably less than the victim's right to. A victim should never accept a deal without consulting an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
The value of a settlement depends on many factors which include the extent of injuries, property damage, and medical expenses. Other damages that are not economic can also be a factor, particularly if the crash left you physically and emotionally devastated. These damages are difficult to quantify and require professional analysis.
The amount you will receive in compensation is also influenced by the determination of liability. If you can prove the accountable party violated traffic law, was negligent or caused the accident by other wrongful act, they will be held accountable for your losses. There are a variety of legal defenses that may restrict their liability. They include the doctrine of contributory negligence and comparative fault.
Owners of trucking companies could also be held responsible for an accident. This could occur if a driver operated the truck in poor condition, or when a company fails to maintain the vehicle. The shipping and loading firm could also be liable if the cargo had been improperly loaded or a component was defective.
Filing 18 wheeler accident lawyer tucson could be required to file a lawsuit if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement. This could prolong the time to a resolution however, it could also result in an increase in damages. A truck accident lawyer is the best choice, whether you decide to settle or go to court.
You need someone to protect your interests as insurance companies will attempt to deny your claim. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer can examine your accident and determine the value of damages in order to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
In the majority of 18-wheeler accidents there are many parties that are responsible. If the driver of the truck was driving under the under the influence of alcohol or had violated the rules governing hours of service then the employer could be held responsible. A manufacturer of a car component or repair shop could be held accountable in the event that a defective component was the cause of the accident.
Furthermore, cargo loading and shipping companies could be held accountable for accidents that happen to their trucks. These trucks must be loaded and moved in a safe way to avoid tipping or jackknifing. The companies must adhere to strict safety rules. The law also permits the company to recover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
Trial
Most truck accident cases are settled through negotiations with an insurance company, and a fair settlement should take into account all medical expenses or treatment costs, as well as other losses you are likely to incur. Your lawyer can help you determine the likely future damages and also determine the possibility of punitive damages.
An experienced attorney can help you through this procedure. The severity of your injuries will determine how much compensation you will receive. Some injuries will only impact you for some time and others could have a an extended or permanent impact on your life.
In the case of accidents involving 18-wheelers, it may take a while to determine who is at fault. This is because there may be multiple parties responsible including the driver of the truck and the company who employs them. In some instances, there could be mechanical issues that cause a crash. In this situation it might be necessary to hold the repair shop or manufacturer accountable for any damages.
There are a variety of factors that affect the amount of a settlement in an 18 wheeler accident but, in general, these kinds of cases result in higher settlements than those involving cars. This is due to the seriousness of the injuries and the damages that may be caused by these accidents.