How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Claim Take?
If you're involved in an accident with trucks, you could be entitled for higher damages than in a car accident. The length of your claim and the amount you are awarded is contingent upon two factors that are: fault and damage.
18-Wheeler Automobile Accidents: Causes, and Prevention
Trucking companies utilize these vehicles to transport goods over long distances. The public relies on these large hauls for everything from furniture to food to computers. These huge trucks can lead to serious accidents when they collide into passenger cars or other massive vehicles. The injuries that result from collisions are usually life-changing.
Many of the causes for 18 wheeler accidents can be avoided. These accidents can be due to circumstances outside of the driver's control like poor roads or weather conditions but they could also be caused by the actions of drivers as well as other participants in the collision.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. This includes eating, drinking, talking or texting on the phone, and even texting. This is particularly so when the person who is distracted is driving a large vehicle like an 18-wheeler. Driving aggressively, for example, speeding or tailgating could also lead to a crash with semi-trucks.
Poor maintenance of vehicles is a major cause of 18 wheeler accidents. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are maintained and in good working condition. If they don't, it can lead to breakdowns like faulty brakes, tires and other components that could lead to an accident.
Damages from 18-wheeler accidents
While any collision with a motor vehicle could result in serious injuries, collisions involving large trucks can cause severe and life-threatening damages. 18 wheeler accident case sterling heights is why compensation for truck crash victims tends to be more substantial than in other auto accident cases.
The primary reason for this difference is the fact that commercial vehicles carry significantly more weight and can cause more damage than standard passenger cars. It can be a challenge to determine fault in a trucking accident. Commercial vehicles are operated by multiple parties, and they may attempt to blame one another for an accident. An experienced lawyer can ensure that all parties who are negligent are held accountable for their actions and that every victim is adequately compensated.
Many 18-wheeler accidents happen due to drivers that are tired, distracted or otherwise not paying attention to the road. They can also be rushed or pressured to deliver their loads on time, causing them to speed up to get there. It takes longer for a truck to stop than it does for cars, and so an insignificant error on the road can cause a catastrophe if an 18-wheeler is involved.
An attorney may include in the calculation of damages not only medical costs, property losses and other financial losses but also non-economic damages such as emotional distress, trauma and pain and discomfort. By including all of these elements, a victim's settlement will be maximized.
Insurance Coverage for 18-Wheeler Accidents
Although trucking companies and their insurers might be tempted to settle an acceptable offer, it is important to consider all of the cost of medical bills as well as lost income, property damage and other damages. It is also essential that victims seek the assistance of an Denver attorney for 18 wheeler accidents to assist them in proving negligence and get the maximum compensation.
Since the risks of 18-wheeler accidents are so significant, truckers are required to carry liability insurance that far exceeds 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 factors.
The majority of truck accidents are settled through settlements. The procedure can be lengthy and complex because multiple parties are involved. Maintenance dock workers, dock companies, and other parties who are negligent can also contribute to an accident. All of them have the obligation to inspect and maintain trucks. They can also be held liable for accidents that happen due to their carelessness.
There are other options for coverage that include specific coverage, like cargo theft insurance and specified peril coverage. This is insurance that protects a vehicle from damage caused by a specific risk, like fire.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Accidents
The average settlement for a truck accident is different because each case is unique depending on what transpired during the accident, who was liable, and the amount of damage. It is not uncommon for 18-wheeler accident victims to receive hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
Your Indiana truck accident lawyer will fight to ensure you get the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve. They can assist you in calculating your loss of money as well as other losses. For instance, you might experience emotional distress or lose of quality of life due to an accident involving semi-truck. This could be just as significant as your financial losses however, it may not be obvious to you or the insurance company.
The degree of your injuries will also impact the amount you're awarded. A serious injury could lead to a larger recovery particularly if the damages are deemed punitive due to the reckless or negligent behavior of the responsible party.
In this kind of situation, it's important to hire an attorney in the event of a truck accident because the parties responsible are likely to try to avoid liability by dragging out the negotiations or attempting to over the statute of limitations. A good lawyer will know the signs of these attempts and help keep the process moving forward. They can help you get medical treatment and address other issues after a crash that involved an 18-wheeler.