How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Claim Take?
If you've been involved in a collision with commercial trucks the damages you may be entitled to are higher than the ones you'd get in a normal car accident. The amount of time you can claim and the amount you get is contingent on two elements such as the fault and the damage.
Causes of 18-wheeler accidents
Trucking companies employ these vehicles to haul goods over long distances. Consumers depend on these huge hauls for everything from food to furniture to computer equipment. However, these huge trucks can cause catastrophic accidents when they collide with passenger cars and other large vehicles. These collisions could cause serious injuries.
Many of the causes of 18-wheeler accidents could be prevented. These accidents may be caused by conditions beyond the driver's control such as bad weather or road conditions. They could also be the result of actions taken by drivers and other participants involved in the event of a collision.
Distracted 18 wheeler accident law firm allen is a primary cause of accidents. This includes eating, drinking or texting on the phone, or even texting. This is particularly true when the driver is distracted while driving a large vehicle such as an 18-wheeler. Driving aggressively, such as speeding or tailgating could also lead to a crash with semi-trucks.
A lack of maintenance on vehicles is a common cause of 18-wheeler accidents. Trucking companies have a duty to make sure that their vehicles are maintained and in good operating condition. Failure to do so can cause breakdowns such as defective brakes, tires and other components that could lead to an accident.
Damages resulting from 18-wheeler accidents
While any car accident can cause serious injuries, collisions with large trucks typically result in severe and life-threatening damage. This is why compensation for victims of truck accidents tends to be more substantial than in other auto accident instances.
One of the main reasons for the difference is the fact that commercial vehicles carry much more weight and are able to cause much more damage than standard passenger automobiles. It is also difficult to determine who is at fault in a trucking accident. Because multiple parties can be involved in the operation of commercial vehicles, they might attempt to shift the blame for the accident on one another. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that all parties who are negligent are accountable for their actions and each victim is paid in a fair amount.
Many accidents involving 18-wheelers happen by drivers who are fatigued, distracted, or otherwise inattentive to the road. Some drivers may be rushed to get their loads delivered in time or under pressure to deliver their loads on time or under pressure to do so. This could lead them to speed up to reach their destination. It takes longer for trucks to stop than a car, so even an unintentional error in driving could result in a disaster if an 18-wheeler is involved.
When calculating damages an attorney can include not only the cost of medical treatment, property loss, and other financial losses, but also non-economic damages like emotional distress, trauma, and pain and suffering. By incorporating all of these elements into the settlement, the victim will receive the maximum amount.
Insurance coverage for 18-wheeler accidents
While trucking companies and insurers may want to settle an offer that is fair, it must be based on the totality of the costs associated with medical treatment, lost income, property damage, and other damages. It is important that victims speak with a Denver attorney for an 18-wheeler accident in order to prove negligence and receive the highest compensation.
Since the risks of 18-wheeler accidents are important, truckers are required to carry liability insurance that is more than what is required for passenger vehicles. The type and amount of coverage required will be based on the weight of the truck, whether it is hauling hazardous materials and other elements.
The majority of truck accident claims are settled through settlements, and the process can be lengthy and arduous because there are many parties involved. In addition to the trucking company and its insurance in many cases, there are other negligent parties that contribute to an accident, such as maintenance companies as well as loading dock workers and others. All of them are responsible for inspecting and maintaining trucks and can be held accountable for accidents that happen because of their negligence.
There are other options for coverage that include specialized coverage, such as cargo theft insurance and specified peril coverage. This is insurance that covers a vehicle from the damage caused by a particular risk such as fire.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Accidents
The amount that a victim can receive for a truck crash varies because each case is unique and based on the circumstances of the crash, the liability, and damage. It is not uncommon for victims of accidents with 18 wheels to get hundreds of thousands, and even millions of dollars.
Your Indiana truck accident lawyer will fight to ensure that you get the fair and full amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can help you determine the financial and non-financial losses. For example, you might experience emotional distress or lose of quality of life after an accident with semi-truck. This can be just as important as the financial losses, but may not be immediately observable to you or the insurance company.
Another factor that can affect the amount you can expect to receive is how severely you were injured in the accident. A serious injury could cause a bigger recovery particularly if the damages are deemed punitive due to the reckless or unsafe behavior of the person responsible.
It is important to employ an attorney who handles truck accidents for this kind of case as the parties at fault are likely to attempt to avoid being held responsible by prolonging negotiations or attempting to get around the statute of limitations. A skilled lawyer will know the signs of these attempts and keep the process moving forward. They can assist you in obtaining medical care and address other issues that arise following a collision that involved an 18-wheeler.