Semi Truck Accident Litigation
If you're looking to find information regarding semi truck settlements in accidents, be aware that each case is unique. There is no settlement calculator or average.
One of the most important actions in a semi truck accident lawsuit is investigating and collecting evidence. This includes contacting witnesses as well as conducting an investigation of the crash scene.
Preparation
In any accident, gathering evidence and investigating its root causes is the first step. The more information you provide the better your lawyer will be able to build a case for you to obtain the right amount of compensation. In the event of an accident involving semi trucks it could be necessary to look into the driver of the truck as well as the company they are employed by, their record of violations and whether they were under pressure to meet delivery deadlines. This could also include reviewing the black box information of the vehicle and footage from the dash camera.
A thorough investigation should include interviews with eyewitnesses, as well as other experts. It is also important to consider any government records that pertain to the highway on which the accident took place. If, for instance the highway was maintained and was a contributing factor to the crash by an organization that is public, the victim may be able to establish accountability on their part.
Settlement negotiations are the next step. It usually happens after your injuries have healed. However, it might take longer when your injuries are severe or if you want to delay the process. A good semi truck lawyer is able to negotiate an equitable settlement, considering your past and future expenses.
If a resolution is not reached, the case will be put to trial. The trial could last up to four weeks however your lawyer will make sure that you are prepared for the trial, including preparing for jury selection and your testimony.
Depending on how serious your injuries are and the extent of your injuries, your lawyer may be required to depose both you and any other witnesses. It's a long and difficult process however, it is necessary to obtain the truth from the people closest to the incident. Your lawyer will prepare you for the deposition so you can respond honestly and protect your rights. Your attorney will prepare you for expert witness testimony and a possible deposition from the opposing counsel.
Discovery
The legal process of collecting facts and evidence that are in support of your claim is known as discovery. In the majority of courts, your lawyer will seek information from the party at fault and third parties involved in your accident. The tools that your lawyer may use include interrogatories, production requests of documents, requests for admissions, and depositions.
The defendant or their attorney must answer these questions within a specific time frame. They are only allowed to ask pertinent questions, therefore they are not allowed to be invasive or threatening. They aren't allowed to ask for anything that is not relevant to the situation, such as medical evidence from an earlier accident.
A request for production is a request in writing for any documents relevant to your case that the defendant is able to access under their control. This could range from their vehicle logs, to employer policies. The black box that is in their truck can contain information.
Injuries sustained in accidents with large commercial vehicles can be life-threatening. They can leave you with permanent physical limitations as well as a decreased quality of life. It is crucial that your injury lawyer have access to all details and evidence concerning the crash and the injuries you sustained and the damages you suffered.
All of the evidence to support your claim for the pain and suffering, lost wages medical bills, and other future losses is crucial to proving your case. Your attorney might require witness testimony or police records as well as other evidence to prove the severity of your injury.
A collision with a semi truck can cause severe injuries such as acute abdominal trauma that can damage the bladder, spleen liver, pancreas, and spleen. Broken ribs can cause internal damage, and puncture the lung.
The death of a loved one due to an accident with an 18-wheeler is heartbreaking. You could also be facing financial losses as well as the grief and inability of enjoying your life without the person. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to compensate for these losses. pearland semi truck accident settlement could include compensation for funeral costs along with loss of inheritance and loss of companionship and enjoyment of life that your deceased loved ones enjoyed during their lifetime.
Negotiation
The amount of money you receive following an accident with a semi truck is determined by the severity of your injuries, as well as the totality of damages. Damages include medical bills lost earnings, loss of future earnings potential, property losses as well as pain and suffering and many more. Matt's extensive knowledge helps him identify your options for recovering, and ensure that you receive the maximum settlement for your claim.
Typically an injury claim that is caused by a collision with a semi truck will involve informal negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company that represents the defendant or their employer. An experienced attorney on your side will make insurance companies raise the initial offer they offer, and help you discover elements of compensation that could be overlooked.
For instance, if your injuries have caused you to miss out on opportunities to take part in the activities you enjoy or have negatively impacted your quality of life, this could be an important aspect of your case that could be overlooked by less skilled attorneys who only consider the current medical bills and property damage. Matt takes the time to speak with your medical professionals and solicit experts to provide a complete account for your current and future losses to maximize your settlement.
It is important to start building a case as soon as you can because evidence could disappear with the passage of time. In addition, witness statements could be deemed unreliable if not recorded within a reasonable time of time after the crash.
It can take months to several years to settle a claim especially if several parties are accountable and the defending party or parties are unable to accept responsibility or challenge your claims. A trial can also prolong the process. However an attorney can accelerate the process by engaging on your behalf with the opposing party and their insurance company, or by participating in formal alternative dispute resolution proceedings such as mediation or non-binding arbitration.
Trial
In some instances, a truck accident could have multiple parties that are responsible. In this case it is essential to investigate the accident to determine the responsibility of all parties involved. Our firm will review the evidence to identify potential responsible individuals, including trucking companies and the drivers. We can also conduct an investigation independently to find out the details of what happened and to identify additional witnesses.
In many cases the parties can come to an agreement outside of court. This saves everyone a lot of time and money and is in the best interest of all parties. If a settlement cannot be reached and the case proceeds to trial and the case goes to trial, our New York semi truck accident lawyers are ready to defend your rights.
We will speak on your behalf with the insurance company of the party who is at fault to prevent them using anything you say in your trial against you. Defense lawyers and insurance adjusters for the at-fault party often described by their clients as "wolves in sheepskins." They will try and get you to sign an argument that they can use against you. By having us handle all communications with insurance companies, you will be able to focus on improving your performance and be assured that your statements will not be used against you at trial.
Accidents involving trucks can cause significant damages, such as medical bills lost wage, and pain and discomfort. Our team will work with you doctor and other experts to determine the full extent of the damage. This includes calculating your present and future losses, such as your inability to return to work or your loss of consortium.
You must start a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires otherwise you lose your right to sue for damages. Our New York truck accident attorneys can begin preparing your claim once we've been retained. We will be working hard to file your claim within the stipulated timeframes.
In the event of a car crash or loss of a loved one, it is important to act swiftly because evidence could disappear over time. Eyewitnesses can also be contacted to get their testimony, before they forget. We can also interview friends, family members or expert witnesses you would like to testify in your behalf.