How to Take Care of Yourself After an 18 Wheeler Accident
Whenever an 18 wheeler accident occurs, there are several things you can do to help make sure that you’re taken care of. These include negotiating with your insurance company and estimating the damages. You also have to know how long you have to file a lawsuit.
Time limit for filing a lawsuit
Whether you’ve been in a passenger car accident or a more serious 18 wheeler crash, it’s important to know what your time limit is for filing a lawsuit. The exact time limit depends on the state you live in and your case. If you file your claim early, it will be easier to prove your case and you may have a better chance of winning the case.
A time limit for filing a lawsuit is called a statute of limitations. In addition to the legal deadline, there are other situations that can pause the clock a little. For instance, if you’re a minor, you may be able to file a lawsuit after you reach the age of 18.
If you’re not yet 18, you may also be able to file a lawsuit, as long as you can show you were injured in the crash. However, you may need a legal guardian to file a lawsuit on your behalf.
A time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years. In addition, you may be able to toll this statute for a few months. For instance, if you suffer from a serious mental illness, you may be able to toll the statute until your condition improves.
If you’re in an 18 wheeler accident, you may want to hire a lawyer to help you navigate the laws governing motor vehicle accidents. Your attorney may ask about any past medical care you’ve had and how it affected your life. They’ll also look at how your injuries may affect your life in the future.
As with any type of accident, it’s important to act quickly after the crash. If you wait too long, evidence may begin to deteriorate or you may lose track of the person who caused the crash. Also, you may lose the opportunity to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need to know what your time limit is for filing the best possible lawsuit. If you don’t file a claim within the legal time limit, you won’t be able to get compensated for your damages.
Estimating damages
Unlike a standard auto accident, estimating damages in an 18 wheeler accident requires a different process. The insurance company may contact you to discuss your case, and a truck accident lawyer may be necessary to secure full compensation.
The process of calculating damages in a truck accident can be tricky, and it’s best to get expert advice before deciding whether to accept a settlement. Lawyers are on your side, and know how to get you the most compensation. They also can help you determine if you’re entitled to additional compensation.
The value of your claim depends on how much medical treatment you’ve already received, and how much it will cost in the future. Medical expenses include surgeries, hospital visits, and rehabilitation. Often, medical experts will testify to the cost of future medical expenses.
In addition to medical expenses, you may also receive compensation for pain and suffering. These include mental anguish, mental anxiety, physical discomfort, and stress. Typically, the more severe the injury, the higher the pain and suffering award.
You may also receive compensation for your lost income. This includes lost wages from the time you missed work, sick days, vacation days, and future lost income. The value of your claim will also depend on your employee’s salary at the time of the accident. Typically, you’ll be able to recover 40% of your claim value.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are only awarded for acts that are nearly criminal. Typically, a truck driver who willfully disregards safety or acts recklessly may be liable for punitive damages.
An 18 wheeler accident can be devastating. Even if you’re not at fault, you may still need to pursue damages to make yourself whole again. An experienced truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process, and can help you estimate how long it will take to settle your case.
It’s also a good idea to keep copies of your medical records and rehabilitation. If you have a life-changing disability, you may be struggling with social problems. Your family may also be affected.
Negotiating with insurance company
Having an 18 wheeler accident lawyer negotiate with your insurance company is one of the best ways to get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are well aware that most truck accident victims have never been in this situation before and are worried about paying their bills.
Having an experienced lawyer on your side will ensure that your claim is processed quickly and efficiently. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to file claims with many different insurance companies. This can be a time consuming and stressful process. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer will be well versed in the legal aspects of your case.
In general, insurance companies want to minimize the amount of money they pay out. They are also looking for ways to save time and money. Often, these companies will deny your claim for reasons other than the simple fact that you have no claim. They may also claim that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. They will often use this tactic to make the process more confusing and time consuming.
The insurance company may also send you a “reservation of rights” letter. This is a fancy legal document that informs you that the company is investigating your claim. This letter may prevent you from filing a claim for the accident.
The insurance company will often try to make you pay less for your injuries than you deserve. It’s not uncommon for them to offer you a payout that is less than the fair market value of your vehicle.
The insurance company may also claim that your injuries were not caused by the accident. This may be true, but it is still a good idea to get a medical evaluation. You might even be able to use this evaluation to show that you are a victim of negligence.
The most important part of any negotiation is to be prepared. Be sure to take notes and ask for a copy of all of the conversation you have with the insurance company. You should also make sure you have a dated written contract to memorialize your settlement.
Side effects of painkillers on truck drivers
Taking any medication can impair a trucker’s ability to drive safely. This includes prescription drugs, over the counter medications and illicit substances. Using any of these substances is a serious violation of federal law.
Many truck drivers take prescription drugs, particularly opioids, to help ease the pain of long-term injuries and surgeries. However, these prescription medications can have serious side effects. For example, opioids can impair coordination and short-term memory. They can also increase the risk of a crash, especially in high doses. In addition, repeated use of opioids can decrease the body’s production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
The long hours and fatigue associated with the transportation industry make it a prime candidate for substance abuse. For example, many truckers turn to drugs like Ritalin to stay awake during their long drives. But if a trucker starts using these medications for recreational purposes, they may become addicted.
Another common substance used by truck drivers is alcohol. In a study, more than 50% of truck drivers admitted to drinking. This can lead to sleep problems, fatigue and other health issues.
In a study of truck drivers, 30 percent admitted to abusing amphetamines. Marijuana and other stimulants are also common drugs. However, the combination of these substances can be extremely dangerous and can impair a trucker’s driving ability.
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulates the trucking industry. This agency monitors and enforces state agency regulations. It also makes rules and implements them. However, the agency has been failing to hold opiate-using truck drivers accountable. Despite the fact that federal law prohibits truckers from driving while under the influence of opioids, the trucking industry has turned a blind eye to the opiate epidemic.
Drugs are often found at truck stops. Truck drivers believe these substances will make them more productive. However, they are not aware of the risks associated with using OTC medications.
Prescription drugs can be difficult to get cleared by a prescribing physician. However, if a truck driver’s current doctor is unwilling to prescribe an opioid, a new doctor may be able to write a safe prescription.
