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

When someone gets injured in a crash involving an 18 wheeler, the case can take longer to resolve than a typical car crash claim. The majority of truck accidents are associated with severe injuries.

However, each truck accident is unique and there are many factors that influence the time it takes to reach a settlement. Here are some of the most important aspects to consider.

Insurance claims

As with all vehicles on the road, 18-wheeler truckers must carry a minimum amount insurance. This is for good reason. Collisions with big trucks can result in more severe injuries and property damage than a regular car accident. These wrecks can often cause death and severe injuries. Therefore, it is crucial that those who suffer from these accidents make a claim for the compensation they are entitled to.

Although 18 wheeler insurance is a must however, it can be difficult to find policies that satisfy all your requirements. Based on the nature of the cargo your trucks transport, you may need additional types of coverage. For example, hazmat carriers may require as much as $5 million in liability insurance. Other policies you could require include towing insurance trailer interchange insurance and cargo insurance.

An experienced attorney can assist you in determining the type of coverage is required by your business. They can also assist you in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that your claim will be properly settled. In some cases insurance companies may attempt to reduce their liability by asserting that they are at fault. This can seriously devalue your claim. An attorney can help to disprove these claims and get the maximum compensation you deserve. Regardless of how you were injured in your accident, a knowledgeable lawyer will make sure you receive the money you need to recover.

Settlements

In many cases, the victim of a truck collision will receive a settlement offer before filing a lawsuit. The insurance company of the trucking company's legal team will make this offer, which will usually be significantly less than what the victim's rights. This offer should not be accepted without consulting a personal injury lawyer.

The amount of the settlement will depend on various factors, such as the extent of injuries and property damage. It is also contingent upon medical expenses. Other damages that are not economic can also be considered, especially if you were emotionally or physically wounded by the accident. These damages are difficult to quantify and require an expert analysis.

The final compensation amount is also influenced by the decision on liability. If you can prove the responsible party violated traffic laws or was negligent or caused the accident through an act of negligence, they are liable for the damages. There are also legal defenses that restrict their liability, including contributory or comparative negligence.

The owners of companies that transport goods can also be held liable for an accident. This is a possibility if the driver of the truck was operating in poor conditions or the company did not maintain the vehicle in good condition. In addition, if cargo was improperly loaded or the equipment of the truck was defective the cargo loading and shipping company could be held responsible.

Filing a lawsuit

You may be forced to file a lawsuit if the insurance company does not provide an equitable settlement. This can delay the resolution of your case however, it could also lead to a greater settlement of damages. A lawyer for a truck accident is the best choice, whether you settle or go to court.

You need someone to protect your interests as insurance companies will attempt to undervalue your claim. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer can look over your accident, 18 wheeler accident calculate the value of your damages, and make sure you receive the highest compensation for your injuries.

In a lot of 18 wheeler accidents the parties involved are accountable. If the truck driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or if he violated the rules regarding hours of service, then his employer could be held accountable. A manufacturer of a vehicle component or repair shop may be held accountable in the event that a defective component was the reason for the accident.

Moreover, cargo-loading or shipping companies could be held accountable for 18 wheeler accident accidents that happen to their trucks. These trucks should be loaded and transported in a safe way to prevent them from tipping or being jackknifed. Therefore, these companies must follow strict safety rules. You can also recover other damages that are not economic, such as discomfort and pain.

Trial

Negotiations with the insurance company are usually used to settle most cases of truck accidents. A fair settlement should cover all of your medical costs and treatment costs and any other losses you are facing or are likely to incur. Your lawyer can help you determine the possible future damages and determine the possibility of punitive damages.

A qualified attorney can help you through this procedure. The severity of your injuries will determine how much compensation you can expect. Some injuries can only affect you for a few days or even months, while some can have a lasting or lasting impact on your life.

It can also take time to determine fault, because it's not always clear in 18 wheeler accidents. This is due to the possibility that there could be multiple parties responsible, including the driver of the truck and the company who employs them. In some instances, there could be mechanical issues caused by the vehicle that result in the vehicle to crash. In this case it is possible to hold the repair shop or the manufacturer accountable for any damage.

There are a myriad of factors that can impact the amount of a settlement for an 18 wheeler accident (click to find out more) but, in general, these kinds of cases result in higher settlements than those involving automobiles. This is due to the severity of the injuries and damages that could result from these accidents.