How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
It can take longer for a car accident claim to be settled than an 18-wheeler accident. This is because truck accidents usually cause serious injuries.
There are many factors which influence the time it takes to reach an agreement. Here are a few of the most important considerations.
Insurance claims
Just like all vehicles on the road, 18 wheeler truckers are required to have a minimum level of insurance. This is due to the fact that collisions with large trucks are more likely to cause serious injuries and property damage as compared to a typical car accident. These wrecks can often result in death or catastrophic injuries. This is why it is important that victims of these accidents file a claim for the compensation they deserve.
While 18 wheeler insurance is a must but it isn't always easy to find policies that can meet all your needs. Depending on the nature of the cargo your trucks transport you may require additional kinds of insurance. For instance, 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.
In addition to the above an experienced lawyer will help you decide on the types of coverage your company requires. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies so that your claim can be appropriately settled. In some instances insurance companies may try to reduce their liability through declaring comparative fault. This can seriously diminish the value of your claim. An attorney can help to refute these claims and secure the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. Whatever the reason you were injured in the crash, a skilled attorney will ensure you get the amount you're entitled to.
Settlements
In many cases, the victim of a truck crash will receive a settlement offer prior to filing an action. The offer is typically below what the victim deserves. It is made by the trucking company or their legal team. A victim should never accept this offer without discussing it with a personal injury attorney first.
The amount of a settlement will depend on several aspects, including the extent of injuries, property damage and medical expenses. Other damages that are not economic can also play a role, particularly in the event that the crash has left you physically and emotionally devastated. These damages are difficult to quantify and require expert analysis.
The final compensation amount will also be affected by the determination of the liability. If 18 wheeler accident lawsuit joliet can prove that the person responsible for the accident has violated traffic laws, was negligently or caused the accident due to another act of infraction, they'll be held accountable for the damages. There are also legal defenses to limit the liability of a party, such as contributory or comparative negligence.
The owner of the trucking company could also be held responsible for the accident. This is the case when a driver operated the truck in poor conditions or the company did not maintain the vehicle. The cargo loading and shipping firm could also be liable in the event that the cargo was improperly loaded or a component was damaged.
Filing a lawsuit
You could be required to file a suit in the event that the insurance company does not provide an equitable settlement. This could delay the resolution of your case, however, it could also result in a larger settlement. Whether you choose to settle or go to trial, a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer is your best option.
You require someone to guard your interests as insurance companies will attempt to deny your claim. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer can review your crash, determine the value of your injuries and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
In many 18 wheeler crashes there are multiple parties responsible. If the driver of the truck was driving under the influence of alcohol or violated the rules governing hours of service then his or her employer could be held accountable. Additionally, the manufacturer of a car part or repair shop may be held responsible when a defect in a component caused the accident.
Moreover, cargo-loading or shipping companies could be held accountable for accidents involving their trucks. This is because the trucks have to be loaded and transported in a secure manner to avoid them falling over or striking jackknifing. Therefore, these companies must adhere to strict safety standards. The law also allows the company to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Trial
Negotiations with insurance companies are used to settle the majority of truck accident cases. A fair settlement should cover all medical expenses including treatment and medical expenses and any other losses that you may or may incur. Your attorney can also assist you in determining the potential damages that your future losses could be, as well as whether punitive damages could be applicable.
The length of time needed to receive a complete and final settlement depends on a variety of factors, and an experienced attorney can help you through the procedure. The most important thing to consider is the severity of your injuries, which will determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Certain injuries could be asymptomatic for a few weeks or even months, while others can have a permanent or lasting impact on your life.
In the event of an 18-wheeler accident, it may take a while to determine who is to blame. This is because there can be multiple parties at fault such as the driver of the truck as well as the company who employs them. In certain instances, there could be mechanical problems that cause the vehicle to crash. In this instance it is possible to hold the repair shop or manufacturer accountable for any damages.
There are many factors that can influence the amount of an 18-wheeler's settlement, but these cases tend to have larger settlements overall in comparison to those involving automobiles. This is due to the severity of the injuries and damages that can result from these accidents.