Whitney Follmer asked 2 weeks ago
semi truck accident lawsuits Truck Accident Litigation
If you’re seeking information about semi truck accident settlements, you should know that every case is different. There is no settlement calculator or an average.
Gathering evidence and investigating is among the most important things to do in the course of a semi-truck crash lawsuit. This involves contacting witnesses and conducting a crash scene investigation.
Preparation
In any incident, the first step is gathering evidence and investigating the cause. The more information that you provide to your attorney, the better they can build a case for you to obtain an appropriate amount of compensation. In cases involving semi-trucks it is possible to look into the driver of the truck as well as the company they work for, their past history of violations and whether they were pressured to meet deadlines for delivery. It could also involve analyzing the black box information of the vehicle and dash camera footage.
A thorough investigation should include interviews with eyewitnesses as well as other experts. It should also take into consideration any records of the government that relate to the road where the crash occurred. For instance, if a highway was maintained by a public entity and was the cause of the crash, the victim could be able prove liability on behalf of the organization.
The next step is negotiating settlements. This usually takes place after your injuries have healed. However, it might take longer if your injuries are severe or if you’d like to prolong the proceedings. A skilled semi truck lawyer can know how to negotiate an equitable settlement, considering your past and future expenses.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. The trial can last for between four and six weeks however your lawyer will make sure that you are prepared for the trial, including the preparation for jury selection and your testimony.
Depending on the degree of your injuries your lawyer might have to depose you and witnesses. It’s a daunting task, but necessary to get the truth from the people closest to the incident. During the deposition your attorney will assist you prepare so that you are able to answer questions truthfully while protecting your rights. Your attorney will also prepare you for any expert witness testimony or a possible deposition by the opposing counsel.
Discovery
Discovery is the legal process of gathering facts and evidence to support your claim. There are rules in most courts that allow your lawyer to obtain information from the at-fault party and other third parties relating to the crash. Your lawyer may use interrogatories, as well as requests for admissions, production and depositions.
The defendant or their attorney must answer these questions within the timeframe specified. They are only permitted to ask pertinent questions, therefore they are not allowed to be invasive or harassing. They can also not request information that is not relevant to your situation for instance, medical records from an earlier accident.
A request for production (or a request for documentation) is an informal request to the defendant for any documents related to your case. This could include anything from their vehicle records to their employer’s policies. Even the black box inside their truck could contain information.
Accidents with large commercial vehicles can result in severe injuries. You could suffer for a long time with physical limitations or even a decreased quality of life. It is vital that your injury lawyer has access to all the facts and evidence pertaining to the incident as well as the injuries you suffered as well as the damages you suffered.
All evidence that supports your claim for injuries and suffering, loss of wages medical bills, future losses is essential in proving your case. Your attorney may require witnesses or police records, as well as other evidence to show the extent of your injury.
A collision with a semi-truck may cause serious injuries, like blunt abdominal trauma, which can cause damage to the liver, spleen and pancreas. It is also possible to break ribs that could cut the lungs and cause severe internal damage.
The loss of a loved one because of an accident with an 18-wheeler can be devastating. In addition to the loss of their life, you may be dealing with huge grief, financial loss and the inability to enjoy your life without them. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks compensation for all the losses. This could include compensation for funeral costs as well as loss of inheritance, loss of companionship and enjoyment of the lives that your loved ones enjoyed during their lifetime.
Negotiation
The amount you receive for your semi truck accidents truck accident depends on the severity of your injuries and the total amount of your losses. Medical expenses, lost wages potential loss of future earnings along with property loss and the suffering of others are all considered damages. Matt’s extensive knowledge helps him identify your options for recovering, and ensure that you receive the maximum settlement for your claim.
Typically, a claim for injury caused by a collision with a semi truck will involve informal discussions between your lawyer and the insurance company representing the defendant or their employer. An experienced attorney can assist you get the insurance company to increase their initial offer, and uncover compensation that otherwise would be overlooked.
Matt takes the time to meet with your doctors and solicit expert witnesses to accurately take account of all your current and future losses in order to maximize your settlement. Matt will work with your doctor to determine your present and future damages and enlist the help of expert witnesses to maximize settlement.
It is vital to begin making a case as soon as possible because evidence could disappear over time. Witness statements could also be unreliable if not recorded within a reasonable amount of time following the crash.
It could take from months to several years to settle a case, particularly if multiple parties are accountable and the defending or parties are unwilling to accept responsibility or dispute your claims. It could also take longer if your case is brought to trial. A lawyer can speed up the process by engaging in negotiations with the other party and their insurance company or by assisting in formal alternative dispute settlement procedures like non-binding arbitral or mediation.
Trial
In certain instances, a truck accident could have multiple parties that are responsible. In this scenario it is important to examine the incident to determine the role of all parties involved. Our firm can review the evidence to determine potential liable parties, such as the trucking company and the driver. We may conduct a separate investigation to better understand the incident and find additional witnesses.
In many instances, the parties will resolve the matter outside of court. This saves everyone a lot of time and money and is in the best interests of everyone involved. If there is no settlement and the case proceeds to trial then our New York semi truck accident lawyers are prepared to defend your rights.
We will contact you on your behalf with the insurance company of the party responsible to stop them from using any of the things you say during your trial against you. Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers for the at-fault party often referred to by their clients as “wolves in sheepskins.” They will try to get you to make a statement that they can use against you. By having us handle all communications with the insurance companies, you will be able to focus on getting better and know that your statements will not be used against you in trial.
Trucking accidents can cause substantial damages including medical bills, loss of wages, as well as discomfort and pain. Our team will work with your doctor and other experts to determine the full extent of the damages. This includes calculating current and future losses like your inability of returning to work and losing consortium.
It is vital to make a claim within the timeframe of the statute of limitations, or you risk losing your right to claim any damages. Our New York truck accident lawyers can begin building your case as soon as you retain us. We will be diligent to file your claim within the deadlines that are required.
It is imperative to act swiftly after an accident with a truck or the death of a loved ones because evidence will fade over time. We will also be able to reach witnesses and obtain their statements before they forget what they observed. We can also interview friends, family, or experts witnesses that you would like to testify on your behalf.