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 settle than a typical car crash claim. This is due to the fact that truck accidents typically cause severe injuries.
However, every truck accident is unique and there are numerous factors which affect the time it takes to settle. Here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Insurance claims
As with all vehicles on the road, 18-wheeler truckers must have a minimum amount of insurance. This is a good reason. Collisions with large trucks can cause more serious injuries and property damage than a regular car accident. These wrecks can often lead to death and catastrophic injuries. It is essential that victims of these wrecks make a claim for the compensation they deserve.
While 18 wheeler insurance is a must, it can be hard to find policies that will meet all your needs. Depending on the type of cargo your trucks transport you might require additional types of insurance. For example, hazmat carriers may require as much as $5 million in liability insurance. Towing insurance and trailer exchange insurance and cargo insurance are all possible policies.
In addition to the above, an experienced attorney can help you determine what kinds of insurance your company requires. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that your claim is appropriately resolved. In some cases, the insurance companies will try to limit their liability by claiming that they are liable for comparative negligence. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit ohio could greatly diminish your claim. A lawyer can assist you refute these claims to get the maximum compensation that you are entitled to. A seasoned lawyer will ensure that you receive the money you need to recover regardless of how you were hurt in your accident.
Settlements
In many cases, the victim of a truck accident will receive a settlement offer prior to filing an action. The insurance company of the trucking company or legal team will make this offer, which is often significantly less than what the victim is entitled to. A victim should never accept a deal without speaking to an attorney for personal injuries first.
The amount of the settlement is based on various aspects, including the severity of injuries and property damage. It also depends on medical expenses. Additionally, non-economic damages can be considered, especially in the event that you were emotionally or physically wounded by the accident. However these losses are difficult to quantify and require a thorough analysis.
The amount of compensation you receive is also influenced by determination of liability. If you can prove the liable party was in violation of traffic laws, behaved negligently, or caused the wreck due to another act of negligence, they will be held accountable for the damages. There are also legal defenses that could restrict their liability, including contributory or comparative negligence.
The owners of trucking companies can be held accountable for an accident. This could happen when a driver drove the truck in a hazardous condition, or in the event that a business failed to maintain the vehicle. Additionally, if the cargo was improperly loaded or a component of the truck was defective, the shipping and cargo loading company could be held responsible.
Filing a lawsuit
If the insurance company fails to settle your claim fairly and you are left with no other choice than to file a lawsuit. This could delay the resolution of your case, but it could also result in a bigger settlement. A lawyer for truck accidents is the best option whether you settle or go to court.
You need someone to safeguard your rights because insurance companies will try to undervalue your claim. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer will review your crash, determine the value of your injuries and ensure that you receive the most compensation for your injuries.
In a lot of 18 wheeler accidents there are multiple parties responsible. For instance, if a truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or violating hours of service regulations and his employer could be held accountable. Additionally, the manufacturer of a vehicle component or repair shop could be held liable when a defect in a component caused the accident.
Furthermore, cargo loading and shipping companies could be held liable for accidents that affect their trucks. This is because these trucks have to be loaded and shipped in a safe manner to avoid them falling over or jackknifing. The companies must adhere to strict safety rules. Additionally, you can recover non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain.
Trial
Most cases involving truck accidents are settled through negotiations with the insurance company. A fair settlement should include all medical expenses along with treatment costs and other losses you may have and will incur. Your lawyer can help you determine the potential future damages and whether punitive damages can be a factor.
A qualified attorney can help you through this procedure. The most important aspect is the severity of your injuries, which can affect how much compensation you are entitled to. Some injuries only affect you for just a few months or weeks, while others will have a longer or permanent impact on your life.
It may take a while to determine the fault, as it's not always obvious in 18 wheeler collisions. It is because multiple parties could be held accountable for the accident, including the truck driver and the company that employs him. In some instances, there may be mechanical problems with the vehicle that can cause a crash, which case it might be necessary to hold the manufacturer or repair shop responsible for your injuries.
There are many variables which can affect the size of a settlement in an 18 wheeler collision but, in general, these types of accidents tend to have higher settlements than those involving automobiles. This is due to the severity of the injuries and damage that can be caused by these accidents.