Big Rig Accident Attorney
In the event that you or a loved one were in an accident involving a big rig, we highly advise you to seek out the counsel of a big rig accident attorney. As big rigs are often the largest vehicles on the road at any given time, operating them can be difficult. The most common causes of Big Rig accidents are lack of experience or improper training, impaired driving, distracted driving, driving at an unsafe speed, ignoring traffic rules, driving while fatigued or lack of appropriate judgement. As big rigs are so much larger than other vehicles, the damage they can cause to property or your body if an accident occurs can be devastating. In terms of bodily harm, big rig accidents usually leave other parties with head or brain injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones, lacerations, burns, spinal injuries and, in some cases, death. Some of these injuries previously stated can be life-altering and will require countless medical appointments and possible rehabilitation, all of which will add up. It is most likely that you will be out of work and unable to pay for these medical bills and support your family. Due to the devastating nature of big rig accidents, we urge you to seek out the counsel of a big rig accident attorney. Your attorney will guide you through this legal process, be aware of what claims to file for, help you gain your settlement and throughout this process, explain the legal matters to ensure that you are both on the same page. Your attorney is here to help you, and as this section of the law can be pretty complex, it may damage your case to try and tackle it with the counsel of a big rig accident attorney.
Average Settlement for An 18-Wheeler Accident
Due to the multiple factors that may impact a settlement and verdict of an 18-wheeler accident and that most cases are confidential, it is difficult to predict the average compensation for these types of accidents. Within truck accidents, there are typically two forms of damages that may apply to your case compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages refer to the money you will be rewarded through your case either through court or a settlement. In comparison, punitive damages, which are rarer, refer to assessing damages to punish a defendant for severe misconduct and are meant to reform or deter the defendant from making similar decisions in the future. There are also two forms of compensatory damages that your lawyer may file claims for, economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the physical losses you have faced due to the occurrence of your accident. An example of economic damages would be your medical treatment cost, vehicle damage, lost wages, loss of future earnings and accessibility expenses. Non-economic damages are a broader definition of describing other losses you may have faced due to the accident. An example of non-economic damages may be loss of companionship, pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, reduced quality of life and loss of consortium. Your big rig attorney will help you navigate these claims and inform you of which best apply to you and your case.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Big Rig Accident
If you believe you may be at fault for causing a big rig accident, we highly advise you to seek out the counsel of an attorney as there will be companies attached to the big rig that will begin filing claims against you. Suppose you were in an accident and the driver of a big rig is completely at fault for causing an accident. In that case, we also advise you to seek out a big rig attorney as this section of the law is quite complex and will often involve multiple insurers, types of insurance, and claims required to be filed. When you hire a big rig attorney, they will handle filing claims for the potential multiple liable parties such as the truck driver, the truck company, the truck manufacturer, the shipping company and the truck maintenance company. Your attorney will also investigate whether the trucker was in compliance with all federal regulations, such as their qualifications, insurance requirements, the inspection, repair and maintenance of the vehicle and any other potential laws that may come into question. When an accident occurs and involves a big rig, it often questions the conduct of many different entities, and we do not advise you to attempt to tackle this without a trained big rig accident attorney.
Will my Big Rig Accident go to Court?
The majority of semi-truck cases are settled before a lawsuit is filed, making it highly uncommon for your case to be taken to court. However, if your case gets taken to court, your big rig accident attorney will help you navigate your court proceedings. Your case may go to trial if the trucking defendants deny liability, multiple parties are at fault for the accident, or the victims of the accident have suffered severe injuries. Before your case goes to trial, your lawyer will guide you through the litigation process. Both sides will exchange information about the trial during the litigation process, and your lawyer will gather evidence that supports your case. At times if the evidence is overwhelmingly in favour of either party, this may also prevent you from going to trial. During the actual trial process, your lawyer will present any evidence that supports your case and state the necessary claims for compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you may have faced.
Charged for A Big Rig Accident
If you are charged with causing a big rig accident, we highly advise you to seek out the counsel of a big rig accident attorney. Your attorney will analyse your case and gather any evidence on the events of your case to see who is truly liable. If your lawyer can’t prove that you are either not liable or only partial liable, you will have to go to court or settle your case. Suppose the accident was caused due to the extreme negligence of one party, such as driving under the influence of a substance or conducting general reckless behaviour while operating a vehicle. In that case, there is a possibility of facing punitive damages. Punitive damages will devise a way to punish you for your negligent driving. Under punitive damages, you could have your licence suspended or revoked, be put on probation or perhaps face jail time. As there are often many corporate and financial agencies involved in big rig accidents, we advise you to seek a lawyer to assist you in facing these charges.