How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Claim Take?
If you are involved in an accident involving a truck, you may be entitled for higher damages than you would in a car accident. However, the duration of a claim and how you are compensated is contingent on two major factors which are the fault of the other party and the damages.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
These vehicles are employed by trucking firms to transport goods over long distances. Customers rely on these massive hauls for everything from food to furniture to computers. These giant trucks can cause serious accidents when they crash into passenger cars or other large vehicles. These collisions could cause serious injuries.
Fortunately, a lot of the causes of 18-wheeler crashes can be avoided. 18 wheeler accident law firm eau claire can be caused by circumstances beyond the driver's control such as poor road conditions or weather conditions. They could also be the result of actions taken by drivers and other participants involved in the collision.
Distracted driving, which includes eating, drinking or talking on the telephone or texting, is among the most common causes of crashes. This is particularly so when the person who is distracted is behind the wheel of the largest vehicle, like an 18-wheeler. Driving recklessly, like speeding or tailgating could also lead to a crash with a semi-truck.
Inadequate maintenance of the vehicle is a common cause of 18-wheeler accidents. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in good working order and ensuring that they are maintained properly. Inability to do this could cause breakdowns, like the tires and brakes are not working properly, or other parts that could cause an accident.
Damages from 18-wheeler accidents
While any motor vehicle crash can cause serious injuries, collisions with big trucks often cause devastating and life-threatening damages. Truck crash victims receive more compensation than other victims of auto accidents.
Commercial vehicles are heavier and can cause more damage. It can also be difficult to determine who is responsible in a trucking accident. Because there are multiple parties involved in the operation of commercial vehicles, they can attempt to shift the blame for the incident to one another. Having an experienced lawyer can ensure that all parties who are negligent are accountable for their actions and each victim is paid in a fair amount.
Many 18-wheeler accidents are caused by drivers that are tired, distracted, or otherwise not paying attention to the road. They may also be pressured or required to deliver their cargo on time, causing them to rush to get there. A truck is more difficult to stop than an automobile. So any mistake, even the smallest one could be catastrophic if an 18-wheeler driver is involved.
An attorney can include in the calculation of damages not only the cost of medical care, property losses as well as other financial damages but also non-economic damages like emotional distress, trauma and discomfort and pain. By incorporating all of these factors the amount of compensation for a victim can be increased.
Insurance Coverage for 18-Wheeler Injuries
Insurance companies and trucking companies businesses may wish to settle. However any fair settlement must take into account all the victims' losses, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. It is crucial that victims seek out an Denver attorney for 18-wheeler accidents to prove negligence and receive the maximum compensation.
Since the risks of 18-wheeler accidents are important, truckers are required to carry liability insurance that far exceeds the standard requirements for passenger vehicles. The types and amounts of insurance required will be based on the weight of the truck, whether it is hauling hazardous material, and many other factors.
The majority of truck accidents are settled through settlements. The process can be very long and complicated because multiple parties are involved. Maintenance dock workers, dock companies, and other negligent parties may also contribute to an accident. All of them have a responsibility to inspect and maintain their trucks and could be held accountable for accidents that happen due to their negligence.
In addition to the regular commercial truck insurance policies, there is also a variety of optional insurance options that can provide specialized insurance such as cargo theft insurance and specific peril insurance. This insurance protects a car against the damage that results from a specific hazard like fire.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accident settlements
The average settlement for a truck accident varies widely because every case is unique depending on what transpired in the crash and who was responsible, and the extent of damage. It is not common for victims of accidents involving 18-wheelers to receive hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars.
Your Indiana truck accident attorney will fight to ensure that you get the maximum and fair compensation you are entitled to. They can help you calculate your financial and non-financial losses. There is a chance that you will experience emotional distress or a loss of quality following an accident caused by a semi-truck. This could be as significant as your financial losses but might not be apparent to you or your insurance company.
The severity of your injuries could determine the amount you receive. A serious injury can lead to a larger recovery, especially if punitive damages are awarded for the reckless or unsafe conduct of the party responsible.
In this type of situation it is imperative to employ an attorney for truck accidents because the parties responsible are likely to try to avoid liability by drag out the negotiations or trying get around the statutes of limitation. A good lawyer is able to identify these attempts and keep things moving forward. They can also help you get the medical treatment you need and address any other needs that you may face after the crash caused by an 18-wheeler.