How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
It may take longer for a car accident claim to be settled than a 18-wheeler accident. This is because truck accidents usually cause serious injuries.
However, each truck accident is different and there are numerous factors that impact the length of time it takes to reach a settlement. Here are a few of the most important aspects to consider.
Insurance claims
Like all vehicles on the road, 18 wheeler truckers are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance. This is due to a reason; collisions with large trucks can cause more severe injuries and property damage than a regular car accident. In fact, these wrecks often result in deaths and catastrophic injuries. This is why it is crucial that the victims of these accidents file a claim for the compensation they deserve.
While 18 wheeler insurance is essential, it can be hard to find policies that meet all your requirements. Depending on the nature of the cargo your trucks transport it is possible that you will require additional types of insurance. Hazmat transporters, for instance may require liability insurance up to $5 million. Other policies you may require include towing insurance, trailer interchange insurance, and cargo insurance.
A knowledgeable attorney can also assist you in determining the type of insurance coverage is required by your company. Additionally, they can help you negotiate with insurance companies so that your claim will be properly resolved. In some cases insurance companies might try to reduce their liability through claiming comparative fault. This could greatly diminish your claim. A lawyer can help you disprove these claims and get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you receive the amount needed to recuperate, regardless of how you were injured in your accident.
Settlements
In many cases, the victim of a truck crash will receive a settlement offer prior to filing a lawsuit. The settlement offer is usually less than what the victim actually deserves. It's provided by the trucking company or their legal team. The offer should not be accepted without consulting a personal injury lawyer.
The value of the settlement will depend on many factors, such as the severity of the injuries and property damage. It is also contingent upon medical expenses. Non-economic damages can also be a factor, particularly in the event that the crash has left you emotionally and physically distressed. These losses are hard to quantify and require professional analysis.
The determination of liability is a key factor that influences the final compensation amount. If you can prove that the accountable party violated traffic law or was negligent, or caused the accident due to some other act of misconduct, they are liable for your damages. There are also 18 wheeler accident settlement arizona that could restrict their liability. They include contributory and comparative fault.
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 under poor conditions or if the company did not maintain the vehicle in good condition. The shipping and loading firm may also be accountable when the cargo was improperly loaded, or a component was damaged.
Filing a lawsuit
If the insurance company is unable to provide a fair settlement, you may have no choice but to file a lawsuit. This could delay the time to a settlement but could also lead to a higher award of damages. Whether you choose to settle or go to trial, a skilled truck accident lawyer is the best option.
The insurance companies in this instance will try and lowball you which is why you need a lawyer who will protect your rights. A Lafayette truck accident attorney can review your crash and determine the worth of damages to ensure you get the most compensation.
In a lot of 18 wheeler accidents, multiple parties are liable. If the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or violated the rules governing hours of service then the employer could be held accountable. A manufacturer of a vehicle repair shop or component may also be held responsible if the defective part was the cause of the accident.
In addition, cargo loading or shipping companies could be held liable for accidents that involve their trucks. These trucks are required to be loaded and transported in a safe manner so as to avoid them tipping or jackknifing. These companies are required by law to adhere to strict safety standards. The law also allows you to seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Trial
The majority of truck accidents are settled through negotiations with an insurance company. A fair settlement should consider all of your medical expenses, treatment costs, and other losses you may have and are likely to incur. Your attorney can also assist you in determining what your future damages could be, as well as whether punitive damages could be appropriate.
The length of time needed to receive a complete and final settlement could depend on various factors, and a qualified attorney can help you through the procedure. The biggest factor is the severity of your injuries, which will influence the amount of compensation you're entitled to. Some injuries only affect you for some time and others could have a an extended or permanent impact on your life.
It may take a while to determine the cause of the accident, since it's not always clear in 18 wheeler accidents. This is because several parties are accountable for the accident, including the truck driver and the company that employs him. In some instances, there may be mechanical issues with the vehicle that cause a crash, in the event of a crash, it is necessary to hold the manufacturer or repair shop accountable for your damages.
There are many variables that can affect the size of a settlement in an 18-wheeler accident however, in general these kinds of cases result in larger settlements than those with cars. This is due to the seriousness of the injuries and the damages that may be caused by these accidents.