The Value of an 18 Wheeler Settlement
If a 18-wheeler rear-ends your vehicle, you could be able to make an claim against the truck driver and their employer. The amount you will receive will be determined by the nature and severity your injuries.
You can also seek damages for lost income in the future. But, you must wait until your doctor is able to confirm that your injuries have lasting consequences.
Compensation for Injuries
The extent of the injuries suffered by the victim determines the value of a settlement resulting from an 18-wheeler crash. The injuries sustained in truck accidents are typically far more serious than injuries sustained in car crashes, and the resulting damages typically reflect this. The amount of compensation that is paid to victims is based on many factors.
Medical expenses are an important element in determining the amount of a settlement following a trucking crash. The cost of any past and future treatments will be considered when calculating this amount which can include any transportation expenses to and from appointments with your doctor. Lost income is another consideration, as is the impact of the accident on your life quality. If your injuries prevent you from working in the near future this could be included in a claim for compensation.
In a settlement agreement for an 18-wheeler or truck accident, victims can receive hundreds of thousands of dollars and even millions. These amounts are much greater than the amount that would be recouped in a typical car crash, and many settlements exceed records.
Our attorneys will investigate any party that may be responsible for your losses. This includes the truck driver and their company, as well as any third party businesses that could have contributed to the incident. For example, loading companies can be held liable for their actions when they stack or overload cargo inside the trailer. If the accident was caused by defective parts of the truck or vehicle, you can also make a claim against the distributor and/or manufacturer.
Damages for pain and suffering
Apart from the economic loss victims can also claim compensation for suffering and pain. This is in relation to the psychological and emotional distress caused by an accident. It's difficult to quantify, which is why it is a vital part of your claim. Our lawyers will determine your non-economic losses to ensure you get an appropriate settlement for your injuries.
Certain victims suffer from long-lasting and permanent injuries that last for a long time. The medical expenses and the future losses of these victims are likely to be significant. These damages are calculated with the help of experts such as doctors and economists. Insurance companies might attempt to reduce your losses by claiming the accident did not cause your condition, but that it existed before. Our team will rebut these claims and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Sometimes more than one party could be at fault for an 18-wheeler accident. The company who employs the driver may also be held responsible. Also, if the truck was loaded improperly and this led to the crash and the loading company might be liable.
It can appear that it takes forever to settle a truck crash case. It is crucial to remember that you shouldn't settle a personal-injury claim until you've reached your maximum medical improvement (MMI). If 18 wheeler accident lawyer charlotte settle too early, you will accept an offer which is not enough compensation for your injuries.
Damages for Economic Loss
While it is possible to get compensation for past, current and future medical expenses, the most significant damages in truck accident cases are based upon your economic losses. This includes lost wages, property damage as well as the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, and other items you've lost in the crash.
Trucks are much heavier and bigger than passenger cars. They are unable to easily move around to avoid collisions. Rear-end collisions are more dangerous because trucks are slower to stop. The resulting impact can be catastrophic and life-changing.
Trucking companies and insurance providers will do everything they can to minimize their liability for the victim's losses. This includes dragging out negotiations in an attempt to pass the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits.
A knowledgeable attorney can help you fight back against these tactics and help you get the most compensation for your injury.
Comparative negligence laws can affect the final settlement or verdict in the event that more than one party is responsible for an accident. But, your attorney will have the knowledge and experience to determine all liable parties and pursue claims against them on behalf of you. This will increase your chances of obtaining the amount you're entitled to. Call Kaine Law today for a free consultation. Our lawyers will examine and explain your case as well as your legal options and the potential benefits of a truck accident claim.
Damages for losses that are not economic
Although many cases of accident can be resolved out of court without trial, it's not always possible with trucking companies or their insurance providers. In a lot of instances, the seriousness of the injuries and the complex nature of the case mean that a lawsuit is required to ensure that victims receive a fair amount of compensation.
Our firm has the resources to pursue the most favorable settlement that is possible for your case. We will bring in experts to conduct accident reenactments and use other methods to establish the severity of your losses in court. This could include medical and vocational experts, along with economic loss specialists who can determine how much your past and future losses could be worth.
We can also hold others accountable if they are an element of the accident. This is especially true when the other party failed to fulfill its legal obligations, for example by failing to maintain an appropriate truck or hire a qualified drivers.
We can also file a lawsuit against the trucking company which employed the driver, or if it was owned and operated by an other party. Trucking companies could be held liable for a range of reasons, including forcing their employees to work long hours or reducing costs by not carrying out regular maintenance on the truck. You can also bring a claim against a manufacturer of trucks if a defective component is found to have caused a collision.