How Long Does it Take to File an 18 Wheeler Claim?
It may take longer for a car accident claim to be resolved than an 18-wheeler collision. Truck accidents are often followed by serious injuries.
However, every truck accident is unique and there are many factors which affect the time it takes to settle. Here are a few of the most important factors to consider.
Insurance claims
Like all vehicles on the road 18 wheeler trucks must have a minimum level of insurance. This is a good reason: collisions with large trucks can cause more severe damage to property and injuries than a regular car accident. These accidents often lead to death and catastrophic injuries. This is why it is crucial that the victims of these accidents file a claim for the compensation they are entitled to.
It can be difficult to find a policy that will meet all your needs, even though coverage for 18 wheelers is a must. You may require additional coverage depending on the type and amount of cargo your trucks carry. Hazmat carriers, for instance might require liability insurance of up to $5 million. Towing insurance as well as trailer exchange insurance and cargo coverage are all possible policies.
A skilled attorney can assist you in determining the type of coverage is required by your company. They can also assist you in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that your claim is properly resolved. In some instances, insurance companies may try to limit their liability by claiming comparative negligence. This can seriously devalue your claim. A lawyer can help you refute these claims to get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you get the funds required to recover, regardless of how you were hurt in your accident.
Settlements
In many cases, a car accident victim will receive a settlement offer long before a lawsuit is filed. The insurance company of the trucking company or legal team will offer this offer, which is often significantly less than what the victim is entitled to. This offer should never be accepted without consulting an attorney for personal injuries.
The amount of the settlement depends on a number of aspects, including the degree of injuries and the property damage. It is also contingent upon medical expenses. The non-economic costs can also be considered, particularly if you were emotionally or physically traumatized by the incident. However these losses are difficult to quantify and require expert analysis.
The amount of the final compensation is also influenced by amount of liability. If you can prove the party responsible violated traffic laws, acted negligently, or caused the wreck through some other act of negligence, they will be liable for paying the damages. There are other legal defenses that can restrict their liability. They include contributory and comparative fault.
The owner of the trucking business could also be held accountable for the accident. This could occur when a driver operated the truck in poor conditions, or in the event that a business failed to maintain the vehicle. In addition, if cargo was improperly loaded or a part of the truck was damaged the shipping and cargo loading companies could be held responsible.
Filing a lawsuit
You may be forced to file a lawsuit when the insurance company does not provide a fair settlement. This can delay the resolution of your case but it could also result in a higher award of damages. 18 wheeler accident law firm virginia for a truck accident is the best option whether you decide to settle or go to court.
You need someone to safeguard your interests because the insurance companies will attempt to deny your claim. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer will examine your accident, determine the amount of your damages and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
In a lot of 18 wheeler accidents, multiple parties are liable. If the truck driver was under the impaired by alcohol or in violation of the hours of service regulations and his or her employer may be held responsible. A company that manufactures a component or repair shop could also be held liable in the event that the component was defective and responsible for the accident.
Additionally, cargo loading or shipping companies can be held liable for accidents involving their trucks. This is because the trucks must be loaded and transported in a safe manner to avoid them tipping over or striking jackknifing. These companies are required by law to adhere to strict safety standards. The law also permits you to seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Trial
Negotiations with insurance companies are often used to settle most truck accident cases. A fair settlement should cover all of your medical costs and treatment costs and any other losses that you have or will incur. Your lawyer can assist you determine the potential future damages and determine whether punitive damages can be a factor.
The amount of time needed to receive a complete and final settlement can depend on a variety of factors, and an experienced lawyer can help you through the process. The severity of your injuries will determine the amount of compensation you can expect. Some injuries will only impact you for just a few months or weeks and others could have a an extended or permanent impact on your life.
In the case of accidents involving 18-wheelers, it can take time to determine who is to blame. This is because there can be multiple liable parties which include the driver of the truck as well as the company that employs them. In certain instances, there could be mechanical problems caused by the vehicle that result in an accident. In this instance it might be necessary to hold the repair shop or manufacturer responsible for any damage.
There are many factors that can impact the amount of a settlement for an 18-wheeler accident however, in general these cases tend to have higher settlements than those that involve cars. This is because of the nature of the injuries and damage that can result from these accidents, which can often be devastating.