How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Claim Take?
If you are involved in an accident involving a truck, you may be entitled to higher damages than you would be in car accidents. The amount of time you can claim and the amount you receive depends on two aspects which are the fault and the damage.
18-Wheeler Accidents: Causes and Prevention
Trucking companies employ these vehicles to transport goods over long distances. The public relies on these large hauls for everything from furniture to food to computer equipment. However, these giant trucks can cause catastrophic accidents when they collide with passenger vehicles and other large vehicles. The injuries that result from these collisions are usually life-changing.
Fortunately, the majority of causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers are preventable. 18 wheeler accident law firm sacramento can be caused because of conditions beyond the control of the driver, such as poor weather or road conditions, but they can also be caused by the actions of drivers as well as other parties involved in a crash.
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. This includes drinking, eating or talking on the phone, and even texting. This is particularly so when the person who is distracted is driving the largest vehicle, like an 18-wheeler. A semi-truck accident can also be caused by aggressive driving, like speeding up or tailgating.
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 well-maintained and in good working condition. If they don't, it can result in breakdowns due to faulty brakes, tires, and other components that could cause an accident.
Damages from 18-wheeler accidents
While any motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries, collisions with large trucks often cause severe and life-threatening damages. Truck crash victims are compensated more than other victims of auto accidents.
One of the main reasons for the distinction is that commercial vehicles have significantly more weight and can cause much more damage than traditional passenger automobiles. In addition, it can be more difficult to determine the liability in a truck collision. Commercial vehicles are operated by multiple parties, and they might attempt to blame one another for the accident. A skilled lawyer can ensure that all parties who are negligent are accountable for their actions, and that every victim is compensated appropriately.
Many accidents involving 18-wheelers are caused by drivers who are fatigued distracted, distracted, or distracted from the road. Some drivers are pressured to get their cargo delivered on time or under pressure to perform the task. This can lead drivers to speed up to arrive. It takes longer for trucks to stop than a car, so even 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 just the cost of medical care, property losses, and other financial damages but also non-economic damages such as emotional distress, trauma, and pain and discomfort. By including all of these elements the amount of compensation for a victim will be maximized.
Insurance Coverage for 18-Wheeler Accidents
The insurance companies of trucking companies and the trucking companies may want to settle. However, a fair settlement must include all the damage to the victim, which includes medical bills, lost income and property damage. It is crucial that victims consult an Denver attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers to prove negligence and receive the highest compensation.
Truckers are required to carry a higher level of liability insurance than normally required for passenger cars. The type and amount of insurance required will be based on the weight of the truck, whether it is transporting hazardous materials and other factors.
The majority of truck accident claims are settled through settlements, and the process can be lengthy and arduous because there are multiple parties involved. Maintenance dock workers, dock companies, and other negligent parties could contribute to an accident. Each of these parties has the responsibility of inspecting and maintain trucks. They can also be held liable for accidents that happen due to their carelessness.
In addition to the typical commercial truck insurance policies, there is also an optional coverage option which can include specific coverage such as cargo theft protection and specified peril insurance. This insurance protects a vehicle from damage caused by a specific risk like fire.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accidents
The amount that a victim can receive for a truck accident is different because each case is unique and based on the circumstances of the collision, liability, and damage. It's not common for victims of accidents involving 18-wheelers to receive hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars.
Your Indiana truck accident lawyer will fight to ensure that you get the fair and complete amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can assist you in calculating the financial and non-financial damages. You could suffer emotional distress or lose of quality after an accident that involves semi-trucks. This could be as significant as the financial losses, but may not be immediately apparent to you or your insurance company.
The severity of your injuries will affect the amount that you receive. A serious injury could result in a higher amount of compensation in the event that punitive damages are awarded due to the reckless or unsafe behavior of the party responsible.
In this type of situation it is imperative to employ an attorney in the event of a truck accident because the parties responsible will likely try to avoid liability by drag out negotiations or trying to pass the statutes of limitations. A good lawyer will be aware of how to spot these attempts and keep the process moving forward. They can also assist you to obtain the medical attention you require as well as address any other needs you might have after a collision with an 18-wheeler.