Buddy Youngblood asked 1 year ago
How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
If someone is injured in a collision with an 18 wheeler, the claim may take longer to settle than a typical car crash claim. This is due to the fact that truck accidents can cause serious injuries.
There are a variety of factors that affect the time it takes to reach an agreement. Here are some of the most important considerations.
Insurance claims
Like all vehicles on the road, 18-wheeler truckers must carry a minimum amount of insurance. This is because collisions involving large trucks are more likely to result in serious injuries and property damage in comparison to a typical car accident. In fact, these crashes often cause death and catastrophic injuries. It is therefore crucial for victims of these accidents to file a claim to receive the compensation they deserve.
While insurance for 18 wheelers is a must but it isn’t always easy to find policies that meet all your needs. You may require additional insurance depending on the type and size of cargo that your trucks carry. For example, hazmat carriers could require up to $5 million in liability insurance. Other policies that you might require include towing coverage, trailer interchange insurance and cargo insurance.
A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in determining what type of insurance is required by your business. The attorney can also help you negotiate with insurance companies so that your claim can be properly settled. In some instances, insurance companies might try to limit their liability by claiming comparative negligence. This can significantly diminish the value of your claim. A lawyer can help argue against these claims to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you receive the cash you need to recover, regardless of how you were hurt in your accident.
Settlements
In many instances, the victim of a collision with a truck will receive a settlement offer prior to filing a lawsuit. The insurance company for the trucking company or legal team will present this offer, which is usually far less than the victim deserves. The victim should not accept this offer without talking to an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
The value of the settlement is based on several aspects, including the severity of the injuries and property damage. It also depends on medical expenses. Other damages that are not economic can also play a role, especially in cases where the crash caused you to be physically and emotionally distressed. These damages are hard to quantify and require expert analysis.
The amount you will receive in compensation is also affected by the amount of liability. If you can prove that the liable party violated traffic laws, acted negligently or caused the accident by committing another act of wrongdoing, they will be accountable for your damages. However, there are other legal defenses that restrict their liability, including comparative fault or contributory negligence.
The owners of trucking companies can be held accountable for accidents. This is a possibility if the driver of the truck was operating it under poor conditions or if the company did not keep the vehicle in good shape. The cargo loading and shipping firm may also be accountable when the cargo was improperly loaded, or a part was not in good condition.
Filing a lawsuit
You could be required to file a lawsuit 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 larger amount of damages. Whether you choose to settle or go to trial, a seasoned truck accident lawyer is your best bet.
The insurance companies involved in this instance will attempt to lower your compensation and you’ll need a lawyer to protect your interests. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer will examine your crash, determine the value of your injuries and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
In a lot of 18 wheeler accidents, 18 Wheeler Accident multiple parties are liable. For instance, if the truck driver was drunk or in violation of the hours of service regulations the employer could be held accountable. A company that manufactures a component or repair shop may be held accountable when the part that was defective was the reason for 18 Wheeler accident the accident.
Additionally, cargo loading or shipping companies could be held responsible for accidents that involve their trucks. This is because the trucks have to be loaded and transported in a safe manner to avoid them falling over or striking jackknifing. These companies are required to comply with strict safety guidelines. The law also allows the company to recover economic damages, for example, pain and suffering.
Trial
Negotiations with insurance companies are typically used to settle most truck accident cases. A fair settlement should include all of your medical costs including treatment and medical expenses and any other losses you have or will incur. Your lawyer can help you determine the potential future damages and determine if punitive damages are applicable.
A qualified attorney can help you through this process. The most important factor is the extent of your injuries, which will determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Some injuries will only impact you for a few weeks or months and others could have a lasting effects on your life.
It can also take time to determine fault, because it’s not always clear in 18 wheeler accident law firms wheeler accidents. It is because multiple parties could be held accountable including the driver of the truck and the company that employs him. In certain instances, there could be mechanical issues that cause the vehicle to crash. In this scenario it could be necessary to hold the repair shop or manufacturer responsible for any damage.
There are a myriad of factors that affect the amount of a settlement for an 18 wheeler accident but, in general, these types of accidents tend to yield larger settlements than those with cars. This is due to the severity of the injuries and damages that could be caused by these accidents.