How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Claim Take?
If you are involved in an accident involving a truck, you may be entitled to greater damages than you would in car accidents. However, the time frame of your claim and the you can claim compensation is determined by two factors: fault and damages.
18-Wheeler Car Accidents: Causes and Prevention
These vehicles are employed by trucking firms to transport goods over long distances. These large transports are relied on by consumers for everything from furniture to computer equipment. However, these huge trucks can cause catastrophic accidents when they collide with passenger vehicles and other large vehicles. These collisions can lead to serious injuries.
Fortunately, 18 wheeler accident lawyer columbus of the causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers are preventable. These accidents can be caused by conditions that are beyond the driver's control, such as bad weather or road conditions. They can also be caused by actions taken by drivers as well as other participants involved in an accident.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. This includes drinking, eating or talking on the phone, and even texting. This is especially evident when the person who is distracted is behind the wheel of a large vehicle like an 18-wheeler. A semi-truck collision can also be caused by aggressive driving, like speeding up or tailgating.
Poor vehicle maintenance is another common cause of 18-wheeler accidents. Trucking companies are accountable for maintaining their vehicles in good order and ensuring that they're maintained properly. If they don't, it can cause breakdowns such as defective brakes, tires, and other components that could cause an accident.
Damages from 18-wheeler accidents
While any car accident can result in serious injuries, collisions with large trucks usually result in life-threatening and severe damage. Truck crash victims are compensated better than other victims of auto accidents.
Commercial vehicles are heavier and can cause more damage. It can be a challenge to determine who is responsible in an accident involving trucks. Commercial vehicles are operated by multiple parties, and they might try to blame one another for the accident. A lawyer with experience will ensure that all negligent parties are held accountable for their actions, and that every victim receives a fair amount of compensation.
Many 18-wheeler crashes are caused by drivers who are tired, distracted, or otherwise not paying attention to the road. Certain drivers might be rushed to get their cargo delivered on time or under pressure to perform the task. This can cause them to speed up in order to arrive. A truck takes longer to stop than a car. So even a small error can be disastrous when an 18-wheeler driver is involved.
When calculating damages, an attorney may include not just the cost of medical treatment, property loss and other financial losses but also non-economic damages such as emotional distress, trauma and suffering and pain. By incorporating all of these elements, a victim's settlement will be maximized.
Insurance coverage for 18-wheeler accidents
Trucking companies and their insurance firms may be looking to settle. However the fair settlement should consider all the victim's damages, including medical expenses, lost income and property damage. It is essential that victims speak with an Denver 18 wheeler accident lawyer to assist them in proving negligence and receive the maximum compensation.
Since the dangers of accidents involving 18-wheelers are so large, truckers are obliged to carry liability insurance that is more than what is normally needed for passenger vehicles. The amount and type of insurance required will depend on factors like the weight of the vehicle, whether it's transporting hazardous material, and more.
Most truck accident claims are settled through settlements and the process can be long and arduous because there are multiple parties involved. Maintenance dock workers, dock companies, and other negligent parties can contribute to an accident. All of these parties are held to the responsibility of inspecting and maintain their trucks and could be held liable for accidents that happen due to their carelessness.
In addition to the standard commercial truck insurance policies, there is also a variety of optional insurance options that may include specialized coverage like cargo theft protection and specified peril insurance. This insurance protects a car against the damage that results from a specific hazard like fire.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
The average settlement for a truck accident differs greatly because each case is unique, based on what happened in the crash and who was responsible, and the extent of damage. It is not unusual for victims of 18-wheeler crashes to receive hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars.
Your Indiana truck accident attorney will fight to make sure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. They can help you determine your financial and non-financial losses. For example, you might suffer emotional distress or loss of quality of life after an accident involving a semi-truck. This could be as important as the financial losses, but may not be obvious to you or the insurance company.
Another aspect that influences the amount you might get is how seriously you were injured in the accident. A serious injury may result in a larger amount of compensation, particularly if awarded punitive damages for the reckless or dangerous actions of the person responsible.
It is essential to find a lawyer for truck accidents for this type of case because the responsible parties are likely to try to avoid being held accountable by dragging out negotiations or trying to extend the statute of limitations. A good lawyer is able to spot these tactics and help keep the process moving. They can help you get medical treatment and address your other issues after a crash that involved an 18-wheeler.