If you had to choose which type of motor vehicle would cause your collision, no one would choose an 18-wheeler. These are some of the most formidable vehicles on the roads, weighing tens of thousands of pounds more than a traditional car, cargo truck, or SUV. If you encounter a big rig, there is a strong chance the injuries sustained will have a significant impact on your life.
Do not get stuck covering the costs if another party’s negligence is the cause of your injuries. You can demand they be held accountable for their negligent actions when you get the legal support of a high-powered Laughlin 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from H&P Law with over 100 5-star Google reviews.
Schedule your free consultation with an experienced Laughlin truck accident lawyer at our firm today to discuss the various damages you have experienced, the potential value of your claim, and figure out what your next steps should be.
Should I Agree to the Insurance Company’s Settlement Terms?
If you have not reviewed the insurance company settlement terms with your Laughlin 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from H&P Law, no, you should not agree to the insurance company’s settlement terms. It is sad to say, but insurance companies do not care about what you have been through, nor are they going to prioritize helping you get the compensation you deserve.
The insurance company is going to lose money if it pays out on your claim, so it is likely they will be picking apart your claim to find reasons to settle for less or deny your settlement altogether.
If you do receive a settlement offer from the insurance company, it may contain provisions or stipulations that are not in your favor. For example, the insurance company may offer you a lump-sum settlement but demand that they be absolved of future responsibility for your damages.
This could be catastrophic if your condition worsens down the road. For this reason, always consult your Laughlin personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company.
A Closer Look at the 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claims Process
While you may feel worried about taking on a legal claim after everything you have been through, when you have a dedicated 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Laughlin on your side, you can feel confident pursuing the fair compensation you deserve. To take the first step in the claims process, learn more about how the truck accident claims process generally works:
Identifying the Liable Party
We conduct an intensive investigation. We must review and gather evidence at the accident scene to support your case. We need to determine whether the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or some other third party is at fault.
Quantifying Your Compensatory Damages
We need to figure out how much your truck accident claim is worth. By reviewing your economic and non-economic damages, we will have better insight into how much you could be awarded. Some potentially recoverable damages could include
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Making the Liable Party Pay
Most liable parties in 18-wheeler truck accident claims have insurance coverage. If the settlement from the insurance company does not cover the total value of your damages, we are prepared to bring your case to court. When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you have the right to be repaid for every single loss.
Laughlin 18-Wheeler Truck Accident FAQ
What Are Some of the Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents?
There are multiple types of commercial truck accidents. Figuring out the type of collision you were involved in will help us identify the liable party. Some of the most common types of 18-wheeler truck accidents include:
- Jackknife accidents
- Sideswipes
- Underride accidents
- Drunk driving truck accidents
- Tire blowouts
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone truck accidents
- Lost-load truck accidents
- Drowsy driving truck accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover truck accidents
Am I Entitled to Punitive Damages?
Under NRS §42.010, punitive damages can only be included in your settlement if the defendant intentionally caused your accident or resulting injuries or made decisions that could be considered grossly negligent. Punitive damages awards do not happen in all 18-wheeler accident claims, but when they do, it is to punish the liable party beyond your compensatory damages, which can greatly increase the total value of your claim.
How do Contingency Fees Work?
The rules for contingency agreements can be found under NRS §228.1113. When you hire a Laughlin 18-wheeler truck accident attorney on contingency, there are no out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, you do not pay anything for legal fees unless your Laughlin car accident lawyer wins your case.
An 18-wheeler truck accident attorney in Laughlin will also cover the costs that come as we build your claim. Not only will we cover court filing fees, but we will also hire experts, analysts, and other professionals who can help organize and present the evidence. If we win, our contingency fee can be deducted from your settlement.
How Can I Win an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawsuit?
You win an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit by proving liability based on a preponderance of the evidence. According to NRS: Chapter 233B, this is the burden of proof in all truck accident and personal injury claims. The evidence we present must be clear and convincing and leave little doubt that the defendant is more than likely at fault.
To do this, we introduced the elements of negligence. Here, we explain why the accused party is responsible for covering the total value of your damages. The elements of negligence as described by the Nevada Civil Jury Instructions include:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Consult an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer in Laughlin with the Trial Experience You Need to Win
Commercial trucking accident claims have a reputation for being some of the most challenging cases to win. Do not go into your legal battle without the right 18-wheeler truck accident attorney in Laughlin on your side. H&P Law has spent over 60 years advocating for injury victims’ rights. Let us guide you through the claims process every step of the way.
Our firm offers free consultations to not only injury victims and accident survivors but also the surviving family members of those who may have passed away due to fatal truck accident injuries.
If you or someone you love has been critically or fatally injured and you are unsure of how to ensure that justice is served, look no further than our legal team at H&P Law. Fill out our contact form or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
