How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?

When someone gets injured in a crash with an 18 wheeler, the claim may be more difficult to settle than a typical car accident claim. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by serious injuries.

But, every truck crash is unique and there are numerous factors that affect how long it takes to settle. Here are a few of the most important factors.

Insurance claims

As with all vehicles on the road, 18-wheeler trucks are required to have a minimum level of insurance. This is a good reason. Collisions with large trucks can cause more severe injury and property damage than a typical car crash. These accidents often cause death and devastating injuries. This is why it is crucial that the victims of these accidents seek the compensation they deserve.

It can be difficult to find a policy that will meet all your needs, even though 18 wheeler coverage is a necessity. Based on the kind of cargo your trucks transport it is possible that you will require additional types of insurance. For instance, hazmat-related carriers may require as much as $5 million in liability insurance. Towing insurance as well as trailer exchange insurance and cargo insurance are all possible policies.

In addition to the above an experienced lawyer will help you decide on the kinds of insurance your company requires. The attorney can also assist you in negotiating with insurance companies so that your claim is properly resolved. In certain cases, insurance companies will try to minimize their liability by claiming negligence of a comparative nature. This could seriously diminish the value of your claim. A lawyer can assist you debunk these claims and ensure you get the maximum compensation that you are entitled to. A skilled lawyer will ensure that you receive the money you need to recover regardless of how you were hurt in your accident.

Settlements

In most cases, the person who was injured of a collision with a truck will receive a settlement offer prior to filing an action. The settlement offer is usually from what the victim should receive. It's offered by the trucking company or their legal team. This offer should never be accepted without first consulting an attorney for personal injuries.

The amount of the settlement is contingent upon a number of aspects, including the severity of the injuries and property damage. It is also contingent upon medical costs. Additionally, non-economic damages can play a role, particularly in cases where the crash caused you to be physically and emotionally distressed. These losses are hard to quantify and require professional analysis.

The determination of liability is a key factor that determines the final compensation amount. If you can prove the accountable party violated traffic law or was negligent or caused the accident due to an act of negligence, they will be liable for the damages. There are a variety of legal defenses which can limit their liability. They include comparative fault and contributory negligence.

The owner of the trucking company could also be held responsible for the accident. This is a possibility if the driver of the truck was operating it in poor condition or the company was not able to maintain the vehicle in good condition. Additionally, if the cargo was not properly loaded or a component of the truck was not working properly the cargo loading and shipping company could be held responsible.

Filing a lawsuit

If the insurance company is unable to settle the claim in a fair manner then you may have no other choice than to make a claim. This could delay the time to reach a decision but could also lead to an increase in damages. Whether you choose to settle or go to trial, an experienced truck accident attorney is the best choice.

You need someone to safeguard your interests because the insurance companies will try to undervalue your claim. A Lafayette truck accident attorney can examine your accident and determine the value of the damages to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.

In many 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler crashes there are many parties liable. If the truck driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or if he violated the hours of service regulations and his or her 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 the reason for the accident.

Additionally, cargo loading or shipping companies could be held accountable for accidents that involve their trucks. This is due to the fact that these trucks have to be loaded and shipped in a secure manner to prevent them from tipping over or jackknifing. They are required to adhere to strict safety standards. The law also permits you to recover economic damages, for example, pain and suffering.

Trial

Negotiations with insurance companies are typically used to settle most cases of truck accidents. A fair settlement should include all medical expenses, treatment costs, as well as any other losses that you've suffered or are likely to suffer. Your lawyer can also assist you in determining what your future damages could be, as well as whether punitive damages may be applicable.

The amount of time it takes to obtain a fair and final settlement depends on a variety of factors, and an experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process. The biggest factor is the extent of your injuries, which will affect the amount of compensation that you are entitled to. Some injuries will only affect you for a few weeks or months while others could have a lasting effects on your life.

In the case of accidents involving 18-wheelers, it may take a while to determine who is to blame. This is due to the fact that there could be multiple responsible parties including the driver of the truck as well as the company which employs them. In some instances there could be mechanical issues with the vehicle which cause a crash, in this case, it may be necessary to hold the manufacturer or repair shop responsible for your injuries.

There are a myriad of factors that can impact the amount of a settlement for an 18 wheeler collision, but in general, these types of accidents tend to result in larger settlements than those involving automobiles. This is due to the nature of injuries and damages that are caused by these accidents, which may be catastrophic.