How to Protect Your Rights When You Are Involved in an 18 Wheeler Accident
If you're involved in an 18-wheeler accident, it's crucial to seek legal advice. An experienced truck accident lawyer firm can help you navigate through the legal system and secure compensation for your injuries.
Commercial trucks are larger and heavier than cars for passengers. This makes it more difficult to maneuver them on roads. This can lead to serious injuries or even death in an accident.
What should you do following an accident?
If you've been involved in a collision with a truck there are certain steps you must do to safeguard your rights. These steps will assist you get the money you're rightfully entitled to from the driver who caused the accident.
First, preserve as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. Photographs should be taken of the vehicle that was damaged, the 18-wheeler that hit you, the accident scene and any injuries. Also, be sure to obtain any statements from witnesses and contact details.
If you're hurt it is important to seek medical attention. The need to seek treatment as soon as possible after the crash is crucial in order to protect your legal rights and to prove that you have suffered injuries resulting from the crash.
An 18-wheeler collision can result in serious injuries that could result in permanent disability or even death. Most commonly, injuries include whiplash, back and neck damage trauma to the brain (TBI), and neck and back injuries.
Truck accident victims need immediate medical treatment. Insurance companies will scrutinize your medical records and, if there's an inconvenient time between the time you filed your claim and the date you saw a doctor, it could be used to dispute the severity of your injuries.
A law firm can assist you in understanding your rights after an accident involving an 18-wheeler and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The experienced legal team at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. in New York will hold the liable parties accountable for the damages and injuries you sustained. We will strive to ensure you get the most favorable outcome possible in your case.
Who is at fault?
As opposed to car accidents, in which the blame is often blamed on one driver or an additional driver, 18 wheeler accidents can involve multiple parties. We can help you determine who is responsible in the event of negligence in their maintenance, didn't follow critical safety regulations or simply ignoring the rules of the road.
In the event of an accident involving commercial trucks, there are a variety of federal guidelines that truck drivers and their employers must adhere to. This includes hours of service regulations and inspection and maintenance rules in addition to safe practices for driving and driver training.
As a result, you could be able file an accident claim against the trucking company or driver as well as other parties involved. It can be difficult to determine all the details from a police report or prove that one of the parties was violating a vehicle code during the accident.
It's crucial to have an experienced truck and 18 wheeler crash lawyer on your side who has the resources to investigate every aspect of the accident. They'll know where to find the evidence you require and where to get it.
State laws may differ in the way they determine fault. Many states employ a rule known as "comparative neglect" which allows victims to be awarded damages that are less than their percentage of fault. This means that if you're found to be at fault for 51% of the time for an accident, you aren't able to recover any compensation at all.
In addition to these laws of the state in addition, the insurance coverage of the trucking company coverage will also play a significant role in determining the amount you receive. An attorney who is knowledgeable with these policies will aid you in getting the best compensation for your injuries.
What amount of compensation can I expect to receive?
A truck accident can be a devastating experience, resulting in serious injuries and property damage. However, there are options to get compensation for your losses following an accident.
The severity of your injuries as well as the cause of the crash will determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. For instance, if your accident caused you to suffer spinal cord injuries, you could expect to recover more in damages than someone who was injured but did not suffer a catastrophic injury.
A skilled attorney for accidents involving 18-wheelers can help you gather the evidence you require in order to file a claim against the truck driver and their employer. For example, most large trucks have electronic data recorders that log information such as speed and direction during the drive, hard braking and other important information.
Your attorney will also examine the medical bills and other costs that you've been able to incur as a result your injuries. These costs can be substantial especially if you are forced to have extensive physical therapy or surgery as a result.
If you are unable work due to injuries, you could be eligible to claim lost wages. For instance, if you had to miss 6 months of work due to an accident, you could claim this amount as part of your damages.
If your case is especially complex, you might be able to seek compensation for additional damages for example, the loss of consortium. This settlement is available to victims who were unable or unwilling to be a part of the lives of their spouses or children as a result of their injuries.
You may be eligible to recover money for future and past property damage. This includes your vehicle's repair costs and any other expenses you have incurred because of the accident.
How can I negotiate with insurance companies
Insurance companies have a lot of leverage in negotiations, which is why it's crucial to ensure that you are getting the amount you're due. Negotiating is the best method to receive full compensation regardless of whether you're working directly with an insurance company or with an 18-wheeler accident law firm.
Insurance adjusters are aware that they have only so much money to spend on your case. They often try to reduce the amount you get. This is usually done by manipulating the facts of your claim or bending your words.
If you decide to negotiate, you must ensure that you negotiate with an experienced legal counsel who knows how to maximize the amount you negotiate. Additionally, you should only communicate with the insurance company through your attorney, and not through any other entity.
You should also make detailed notes of your interactions with the insurance company to aid your lawyer in building a strong case. Your lawyer can also provide you with evidence of your injuries as well as expenses to help you get the settlement you want.
While the negotiation process can be long and complicated, it is possible to reach a compromise with the insurance company. It will depend on the amount of settlement you require, the willingness of the insurance company to settle, and your determination to negotiate a fair resolution.
It is important to choose an 18-wheeler accident law firm that has expertise in commercial vehicle accidents. Ask them if they have a track record of winning these cases and do they have the resources to investigate immediately.
What happens if I don't have insurance?
If you don't have insurance, there are still some options available for getting the medical care you require. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit seattle of hospitals and clinics offer free screenings for things like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol at certain times of the year. They may also offer preventative services such as smoking cessation, weight control, and vision testing. These are great occasions to get the attention and treatment that you require. You can always visit the emergency room if you have a serious illness. It can be expensive. It is best to save your money for when you'll need it.