There are many reasons you might need an 18-wheeler accident lawyer. Here are a few of them:
Regulations
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler collision It is imperative to hire an attorney. While these accidents are not common, they are atypical and require specialized legal assistance. Insurance agents for trucking companies often do not care about the best interests or needs of the victims. Their responsibility is to reduce the amount of compensation offered by insurance companies as much as they can, but an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer will fight for you until you get the compensation you are entitled to.
It is crucial to take into consideration the extent of the damage caused by an 18-wheeler truck driver when determining liability. Truckers are generally large and their weight and size of their vehicles makes them vulnerable to accidents. Although smaller vehicles aren’t so dangerous as larger trucks, 18 wheeler accident lawyer the injuries that result in these types of accidents can be severe. Secure cargo properly is crucial in making sure that 18-wheeler accidents are avoided.
In determining liability an experienced 18-wheeler collision lawyer should search for the manufacturer of the truck as a cause. If the truck was defective and caused the crash, the company that manufactured the truck could be held responsible for the accident. An 18-wheeler accident lawyer is able to employ the most knowledgeable experts to analyze the case. So, a lawyer will be able to determine what caused the accident, and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Trucking accident lawyers will gather all evidence necessary to present the case in court. Before departing for a new trip the driver of the truck must submit their daily inspection report to the motor carrier. A skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer is able to locate evidence of an 18-wheeler driver’s negligence and file a lawsuit that is successful. Utilizing a professional 18-wheeler collision lawyer is a smart choice. The costs associated with professional legal services are definitely worth it.
Common causes of 18-wheeler accident
Driver error and poor vehicle maintenance are the two most frequent causes of 18-wheeler crashes. Drivers are responsible for nearly half of big-rig crashes and the majority of accidents involving 18-wheelers involve another vehicle. One out of three 18-wheeler crashes result in a crash into another vehicle or onto the road. Truck crashes can be caused by driver fatigue or impairment, or even inattention.
In 2010, nearly one-third of 18-wheeler accidents involved driver errors, car injury attorney such as speeding drifting out of the driving lanes, or failing yield the right of way. The weather was another 14 percent of the truck accident. The majority of fatal 18-wheeler accidents in 2010 involved a rear-end collision. This can lead to serious injuries. Another reason for 18-wheeler accidents is sudden braking, which can cause the trailer to swing out at a 90 degree angle and collide with another vehicle.
Road conditions are a primary reason behind accidents involving commercial trucks. Because 18-wheelers can’t handle wet roads as well as dry roads, truck drivers often do not take into account slippery conditions. Truck-related defects are the 4th most frequent reason for 18 wheeler accident lawyer trucking accidents. Commercial trucks typically have more moving parts than other vehicles due to their massive number of moving parts. This can result in accidents, particularly if the driver isn’t paying attention to road conditions.
The fatalities of 18-wheeler accidents are much more frequent than you think. These accidents cause the same number of injuries and deaths as car crashes involving passengers every year. According to figures from the National Highway Safety Administration, there more than 4,400 crashes with large trucks in the U.S. in 2018 and 2019 with the majority of fatalities were caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, many people die in truck accidents each year and a large number are permanently injured.
Limit of time to pursue an action in court
The sections below explain the various legal claims you may bring after suffering injuries from a semi-truck accident. A personal injury lawsuit is the best method of recovering for your injuries. You can sue the driver of the truck the trucking firm or the company that hired the truck. This article is meant as a general guide and is not legal advice. Before filing your claim however, it is recommended to be aware of your options and know what to expect.
You typically have a short time to bring your lawsuit in, gather evidence, and develop your case. This varies from one state to the next. A personal injury claim is intended to recover the cost of medical care as well as lost wages and physical and mental suffering and pain. A wrongful death claim is filed to recover the total value of the deceased’s life and may be a part of a range of categories.
In addition to the timeframe for pursuing a legal claim, you should also consider whether the evidence from the accident will be lost forever if you do not take action. If evidence such as video is not properly stored, it can be irretrievably lost in many cases. You can obtain preservation orders to prevent the destruction of any records that may support your claim.
The law in Texas gives you two years to file a lawsuit after an accident with a truck. Some states have a shorter time frame of limitations. For instance, if a loved one passed away in the course of their life, the law stipulates that your family members have two years to start a lawsuit against a negligent party. If your loved one has died in the accident, you may have a claim for wrongful death.
Cost of hiring an attorney
Two kinds of legal expenses may arise when you engage a truck accident attorney. One type of expense is upfront like retainer. The other kind includes ongoing expenses like the cost of filing claims or attend hearings. The cost of these items may be deducted from the amount of the lawyer’s fees, though some lawyers remove these costs later. Depending on the circumstances you could be required to pay for these costs and it’s best to inquire about this in your free consultation.
The Law Place will investigate the accident and determine the fault of the other party. They will also calculate the compensation you are entitled to. It will collect all relevant documents and contact the driver responsible on your behalf. The accident attorney will negotiate on your behalf with the trucking company, taking the burden off your shoulders. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents will assist you in obtaining the full amount of compensation you deserve and ease the stress you endure.
Cost of hiring a lawyer after an 18-wheeler crash
Trucking accidents can result in severe injuries. To maximize your settlement, it is essential to work with an experienced lawyer. There are a variety of federal as well as state-specific trucking laws to comply with. An experienced lawyer can determine whether a violation of a trucking law led to the crash, and hold the offending driver accountable. Contact a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents for any queries.
A free case assessment will be offered by a law firm that specializes on trucking accidents. A lawyer can file a suit against the trucking company to claim compensation for your injuries depending on the severity of your injuries. The lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney can assist you to receive compensation for lost wages or rehabilitation costs, motorcycle accident lawyer medical expenses, and other damages.
Be aware of the fees that could be incurred in the case of a truck crash when you hire an attorney. Many lawyers will accept cases on a contingent basis. This is typically more cost-effective than billing hourly. However, there are some attorneys who are not interested in taking truck accident cases on a contingency basis , and will charge you an hourly rate if your case is weak.