If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident and believe you may be eligible for compensation, it is important to hire an 18 wheeler accident lawyer. An attorney can help you understand the complex nature of such a claim, the statute of limitations, and the expenses associated with the accident. It is also important to get a truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible after the accident.
Expenses associated with an 18-wheeler accident
If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, you may be surprised to learn that your settlement is likely to be higher than that of a passenger vehicle. For one thing, a fully-loaded 18-wheeler is a huge machine, with a weight of 80,000 pounds. This means that you could be facing serious injuries and other expenses if you are involved in an accident with a semi-trailer.
While there are many visible costs associated with truck accidents, there are also hidden costs that you must consider. These costs can be four to ten times higher than what you can see. The good news is that you can file a lawsuit and recover these hidden costs. An experienced attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve.
While most personal injury claims are settled without trial, it may take several years for your case to get to trial. Moreover, a trial may be necessary to establish fault. If the truck driver is partially or completely at fault, you may have a higher chance of getting a settlement. In these cases, it is critical to understand that the settlement amount will depend on the severity of your injuries.
You must also consider the cost of medical care. Medical bills can be expensive and you should be compensated for them in full. These expenses may include therapy and prescription drugs. These costs can add up quickly, especially if your injuries are severe. Also, lost wages can add up. These are not just lost paychecks, but may also include commissions or vacation time.
While a personal injury will cost you your time and money, the costs of a truck accident can be staggering. Many victims of truck accidents end up needing extensive medical care. This can result in lost wages, which can lead to insurmountable medical debt. However, a legal claim may be the only way to secure compensation.
Complexity of an 18-wheeler accident claim
Insurance claims for 18-wheeler accidents are complex and often lengthy. There are layers of corporations involved, including the trucking company, driver, and employer. These companies will try to minimize costs in the process of settlement negotiations, which can take years. In more serious cases, such as fatalities or severe injuries, the case may go to court. During this lengthy recovery process, victims are entitled to include the cost of their medical bills in their claim for damages.
Besides medical costs, 18-wheeler accident victims often face mental and emotional trauma. These factors can also lead to long recovery times, ongoing medical care, and loss of wages. Consequently, it is important to hire an attorney with extensive experience in such cases. The complexity of an 18-wheeler accident claim can be overwhelming for victims without the assistance of an experienced legal team.
In addition to injuries, 18-wheeler accidents often involve the negligence of the driver. Often, truck drivers are fatigued and may not be aware of their surroundings. They may be under the influence of over-the-counter drugs or alcohol. When the driver is distracted and/or tired, he or she is more likely to be at fault in an accident.
Although the vast majority of 18-wheeler drivers follow FMCSA regulations, negligent drivers still put lives at risk. Wrongful-death claims and substantial personal injury claims are common. Oftentimes, victims are able to settle their cases out of court. However, this process can be lengthy. Moreover, many truck accident victims do not fully recover.
In addition to medical bills, 18-wheeler accident victims may also have to pay for rehabilitation and special medical care. Additionally, they may not be able to return to their jobs due to their injuries. Personal injury attorneys can help them meet these expenses by securing compensation for them.
Statute of limitations for an 18-wheeler accident claim
If you have been injured by a semi-truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. It is also important to maintain records of medical care, out-of-pocket expenses, and missed work or other activities. If you have been seriously injured, you should contact medical professionals immediately and seek medical attention.
Depending on the severity of your injuries and losses, you may have only a few months to file your lawsuit. Unfortunately, many people lose their cases after the statute of limitations has passed. In some states, there may be a few exceptions to this rule. But you should speak to a truck accident attorney to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
In some states, you have two years to file a lawsuit. If you file your lawsuit immediately, you will have a better chance of receiving compensation. However, if you wait too long, you risk losing important evidence and giving the trucking company time to build a defense.
Many 18-wheeler accidents are caused by poorly secured trailers. Because of this, shippers must make sure cargo is properly secured. If a cargo is not secured, it can fall out during transport and strike other vehicles. Additionally, a vehicle that is overloaded will not be able to balance on the road. It can even overturn with one sharp turn.
In addition to monetary compensation, an injured person can also claim for other non-economic damages. These include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment or consortium. This type of damage is often not covered by insurance. An 18-wheeler accident attorney can advise you on the legal options available to you.
Getting a truck accident lawyer quickly after an accident
A truck accident lawyer can help you collect evidence that supports your claim. This evidence may include medical records, crash scene photos, surveillance camera footage, and eyewitness accounts. Additionally, he or she can help you get evaluated if you have been injured in the crash. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
First, it’s essential to contact insurance companies involved in the crash. Many trucking companies don’t maintain records for years, so it is important to send a letter to the trucking company to ask them to keep accident-related records. Moreover, hiring a truck accident attorney ensures that you have an experienced team working on your case. They’ll be able to help you deal with the loss, medical bills, and suffering that are associated with the accident.
Next, you should get a police report. Police will need to interview all drivers and eyewitnesses, so you’ll want to make sure you get a copy. It’s also important to exchange contact information and insurance information with all parties involved. A truck accident lawyer can also help you collect evidence that helps support your case.
The more serious your injuries are, the more important it is to get a lawyer. An attorney will be able to build a case that shows the other party was partially or fully at fault. Truck accident lawyers in Bellevue, WA, can help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
It’s important to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Many insurance companies have short deadlines for filing a claim. Your attorney can represent you in negotiations and help protect you from damaging claims. An attorney will also be able to determine liability and help you reduce your possible liability.
If you’re injured in a truck accident, you should immediately get medical attention. Although you may not feel any pain right away, your adrenaline may mask your injuries. You may not even need to be hospitalized, but seeing a doctor is essential for the healing process. Not only will a doctor give you critical medical care, but it will also establish an official medical record. Additionally, the longer you wait before seeking medical care, the more likely your insurance company will be to deny your claim.