How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
It can take longer for a car accident claim to be resolved than an 18-wheeler crash. This is because truck accidents often involve severe injuries.
But, 18 wheeler accident lawyer sacramento is unique and there are numerous factors which affect the time it takes to settle. Here are a few of the most important aspects to consider.
Insurance claims
Just like all vehicles on the road, 18 wheeler truckers are required to have a minimum amount of insurance. This is due to collisions with large trucks are more likely to result in serious injuries and property damage as compared to a car accident. In fact, these crashes often result in death and severe injuries. Because of this, it is vital that victims of these accidents submit a claim to receive the compensation they are entitled to.
It isn't easy to find a policy that meets all your requirements, even though coverage for 18 wheelers is a necessity. You may require additional coverage depending on the type and size of cargo that your trucks carry. For instance, hazmat-related 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 can help you determine what kinds of insurance coverage your business requires. He or she will help you negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that your claim is properly settled. In certain situations insurance companies may try to reduce their liability through declaring comparative fault. This can severely devalue your claim. An attorney can help refute these claims to get the most compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you receive the cash needed to recuperate regardless of the way you were injured in your accident.
Settlements
In many instances, the victim of a truck accident will receive a settlement offer prior to filing a lawsuit. The insurance company for the trucking company or legal team will make this offer, which is usually far less than the victim's right to. The offer should not be accepted without first consulting a personal injury lawyer.
The value of a settlement will depend on several factors such as the extent of injuries, property damage, and medical expenses. Additionally, non-economic damages can be considered, especially when the accident has left you physically and emotionally distressed. However they are also more difficult to quantify and require a thorough analysis.
The amount of the final compensation is also affected by the determination of liability. If you can prove the party responsible was in violation of traffic laws, behaved negligently or caused the wreck due to another act of negligence, they will be liable for paying your damages. However, there are other legal defenses that can limit their liability, such as contributory or comparative negligence.
Owners of trucking companies may also be held responsible for an accident. This can happen if a driver operated the truck in poor conditions, or when a company fails to maintain the vehicle. The shipping and loading firm could also be liable for the cargo if it was improperly loaded or a component was damaged.
Filing a lawsuit
If the insurance company is unable to offer a fair settlement and you are left with no choice but to start a lawsuit. This could extend the time to a resolution but could also lead to a higher award of damages. Whether you choose to settle or go to trial, a skilled truck accident attorney is your best option.
The insurance companies in this case are going to try to make you feel like they are a bargain therefore you'll require a lawyer to protect your interests. A Lafayette truck accident attorney can examine the accident and determine the amount of the damages so that you receive maximum compensation.
In the majority of 18-wheeler accidents there are a variety of parties responsible. If the driver of the truck was driving under the influence of alcohol or violated the rules regarding hours of service, then the employer could be held accountable. In addition, the maker of a car part or repair shop could be held liable when a defect in a component caused the accident.
Furthermore, cargo loading and shipping companies can be held liable for accidents that involve their trucks. This is because the trucks have to be loaded and shipped in a secure manner to prevent them from tipping over or being jackknifed. The companies must adhere to strict safety standards. The law also permits you to seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Trial
Most cases involving truck accidents are settled through negotiations with the insurance company, and a fair settlement should consider all medical expenses or treatment costs, as well as other losses you may have and are likely to incur. Your lawyer can also assist you in determining what your future damages might be, and whether punitive damages are applicable.
A qualified attorney can help you through this process. The severity of your injuries will determine how much compensation you will receive. Some injuries may be asymptomatic for a few weeks or even months, whereas others could have a permanent or lasting impact on your life.
In 18-wheeler accidents it could take a long time to determine who is to blame. This is due to the possibility that there could be multiple responsible parties such as the driver of the truck as well as the company which employs them. In some instances, there could be mechanical problems caused by the vehicle that result in the vehicle to crash. In this scenario it is possible to hold the repair shop or the manufacturer accountable for damages.
There are many aspects that can affect the size of a settlement for an 18-wheeler, however, these cases tend have larger settlements overall in comparison to those involving automobiles. This is due to the severity of the injuries and the damages that may be caused by these accidents.