How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Claim Take?
If you've been in a crash involving commercial trucks the damages you could be entitled to are higher than the ones you'd get in a standard car accident. The duration of your claim and the amount you are awarded depends on two aspects: fault and damage.
18-Wheeler Automobile Accidents: Causes, and Prevention
These trucks are employed by trucking firms to transport goods over long distances. These heavy transports are relied on by consumers for everything from furniture to computers. These giant trucks can cause serious accidents when they collide into passenger cars or other big vehicles. The injuries that result from collisions are often life-changing.
Fortunately, a majority of causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers can be avoided. Accidents can be caused due to circumstances outside of the driver's control like poor roads or weather conditions however, they can also be caused by the actions of drivers as well as other participants in a crash.
Distracted driving, which includes eating, drinking or talking on the phone or texting, is one of the most common causes of crashes. 18 wheeler accident lawyer raleigh is particularly evident when a driver is distracted while driving a large vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler. A semi-truck accident can also be caused by aggressive driving, such as speeding up or tailgating.
Inadequate maintenance of vehicles is a major cause of accidents involving 18 wheelers. Trucking companies are required to make sure that their vehicles are maintained and in good working condition. Failure to do so can result in breakdowns due to faulty brakes, tires and other components that could lead to an accident.
Damages resulting from 18-wheeler accidents
While any motor vehicle accident can cause serious injuries, collisions with large trucks usually result in severe and life-threatening damage. Truck crash victims are compensated more than other victims of auto accidents.
A major reason for the difference is that commercial vehicles have significantly more weight and can cause much more damage than standard passenger cars. It is also difficult to determine the cause of an accident involving trucks. Commercial vehicles are operated by multiple parties, and they might try to blame each other for the accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can help ensure that all parties who are negligent are held accountable for their actions and each victim is compensated adequately.
Many 18-wheeler accidents are caused by drivers who are tired, distracted, or otherwise not paying attention to the road. Some drivers may be rushed to get their loads delivered in time or under pressure to do so. This could cause them to speed up in order to reach their destination. It takes longer for trucks to stop than it does for cars, so 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 costs of medical treatment, property loss and other financial losses but also non-economic damages such as trauma, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. By including all of these factors the amount a victim receives can be increased.
Insurance Coverage in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Although trucking companies and their insurers may want to settle an acceptable offer, it is important to take into account all the victim's medical costs, lost income, property damage and other damages. It is crucial to ensure that victims consult an Denver attorney for 18-wheeler accidents to prove their negligence and receive the highest amount of compensation.
Because the dangers of 18-wheeler accidents are so important, truckers are required to carry liability insurance that is much greater than the standard requirements for passenger vehicles. The type and amount of coverage that are required will depend on the load of the truck, its use, whether it is hauling hazardous material, and many other factors.
The majority of truck-related accident claims are settled through settlements. The process can be very long and complex because multiple parties are involved. Maintenance companies, dock workers and other parties who are negligent can contribute to an accident. All of them have the responsibility of inspecting and maintain trucks and can be held liable for accidents that occur due to their negligence.
In addition to the regular commercial truck insurance policies, there's also a variety of optional insurance options that can provide specialized insurance such as cargo theft protection and specific peril insurance. The latter is insurance that covers a vehicle against damages caused by a specific danger, such as fire.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
The amount of compensation for a truck accident is different because each case is unique in the context of what happened during the accident and who was responsible, and the amount of damage that occurred. However, it's not unusual for 18-wheeler accident victims to recover hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars.
Your Indiana truck accident lawyer will fight to ensure that you receive the fair and full settlement you deserve. They can assist you in calculating your loss of money as well as non-financial losses. You could experience emotional distress or a loss of quality after an accident that involved a semi-truck. This can be as serious as the financial loss, but might not be apparent to you or your insurance company.
Another aspect that influences the amount you might be awarded is the extent to which you were injured in the accident. A serious injury could result in a greater recovery, especially if you're awarded punitive damages because of the reckless or dangerous behavior of the party responsible.
It is essential to find an attorney for truck accidents in this type of case because the parties responsible are likely to attempt to avoid being held liable by dragging out negotiations or trying to extend the statute of limitations. A good lawyer will be aware of how to spot these efforts and keep the process moving forward. They can help you get medical attention and address any other needs after a crash involving an 18-wheeler.