Although driving is a normal, almost boring, part of our everyday lives, it can quickly become dangerous. Large trucks may cause highway disasters if truck drivers are negligent, and other drivers often pay the price. Our legal team can help you sue those responsible for the accident and get financial compensation for your damages.
There may be several ways in which a lawyer can help you get fair compensation, and you should consider these options carefully. Many people pursue insurance claims first. Some find their damages completely covered, others do not. If insurance is not enough, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against those responsible for the accident. The defendants may offer a settlement, which you should not accept before reviewing it with a lawyer. If a settlement does not feel right to you, you can reject it and proceed with the trial.
Contact our 18-wheeler and truck accident lawyers by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111 and ask for a free, confidential legal review.
How Can I Get Fair Compensation After a Truck or 18-Wheeler Collision?
Compensation may be available to victims of truck accidents, but obtaining it can be difficult without help from an experienced attorney.
Insurance Claims
Vehicle accidents, including accidents with trucks and 18-wheelers, may be covered by auto insurance. In New Jersey, drivers must carry no-fault insurance that may cover them regardless of who causes the accident.
Drivers must opt for insurance with a limited or unlimited right to sue. Those with a limited right to sue are required to prove they experienced serious injuries because of the crash before they can sue. Those with an unlimited right to sue, which is often part of a more expensive insurance policy, do not have to prove the severity of their injuries before suing.
If this insurance coverage is insufficient, our 18-wheeler and truck accident lawyers can help you file a claim with the trucker’s liability coverage. We should also look into filing claims with the trucking company’s insurance.
Settlements
In some cases, negligent truckers and their employers may offer a settlement to accident victims. This is common when accidents are severe, victims have serious injuries, and it is clear from the outset that the trucker and their employer are liable.
The responsible parties often want to offer a quick settlement to make the accident and the aftermath go away as quickly as possible. However, settlements are not always fair, and you can negotiate for a better one with the help of a lawyer.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If insurance is insufficient and you do not wish to settle, you can take your claims to court in a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, it is a good idea to file insurance claims, as courts prefer that plaintiffs exhaust other legal options before proceeding to trial.
Although trials are known to take time, they may lead to greater awards of damages, and you may get enough compensation to fully cover all your damages.
FAQs About How to Get Compensation for a Truck or 18-Wheeler Collision in West Orange
How Do I Begin the Insurance Claim Process After a Truck Accident?
You may begin the insurance claim process by contacting your own insurance company. In New Jersey, drivers must first file claims with their own no-fault insurance. If this is not enough, you may file a claim with the negligent truck driver’s liability insurance, depending on whether you have an unlimited or limited right to sue.
The trucker’s employer may also have additional coverage. If you are unsure how to begin or need help coordinating benefits, contact an attorney.
What Should I Do if the Truck Driver Wants to Settle After an Accident?
Settlements are common in civil injury lawsuits, and large trucking companies may be keen to settle as quickly as possible to avoid further public attention about the accident. However, you should not accept any settlement offer without first reviewing it with your lawyer.
If the settlement adequately covers your damages, you may consider accepting. If not, you can negotiate for a better one or take the matter to court.
Can I File a Lawsuit if I Already Filed an Insurance Claim for a Truck Collision?
Yes. Not only are you allowed to pursue both of these legal options for compensation, but courts often want plaintiffs to pursue insurance claims first. The more claims that are completely covered by insurance, the fewer cases that need to be on the court’s schedule. Even if we are positive your case will likely go to a trial, we should exhaust your insurance options first.
How Do I Find Evidence to Use in a Lawsuit for an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Evidence often comes from the truck crash scene, but it may also come from other sources, depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, we might obtain dashcam footage from other drivers, trucking company records from the defendant, witness testimony, photos you took after the crash, and data from the trucks’ event data recorded (i.e., the truck’s black box device).
Can I Sue More Than One Defendant for a Truck Accident?
Yes. A plaintiff may sue as many defendants as they feel are necessary to get compensation and justice after an accident. For many, lawsuits involve the truck drivers, their employers, and sometimes other drivers who may have contributed to the accident. Even third parties may be sued, such as negligent manufacturers who produced faulty truck parts that contributed to the accident.
What if Other Injured Drivers Sue the Same Defendant After a Truck Crash?
This is a common issue in truck accident cases, as multiple drivers are often involved in the same crash. You may sue the trucker and their employer regardless of whether anyone else is also doing so.
If other drivers file lawsuits, your cases may be consolidated, and some hearings may be held together for the sake of efficiency. However, your claims may remain legally separate, and the outcome of your case does not have to be the same as the outcome of others.
What Should I Say to the Police After a Truck Accident?
Call the police immediately after the crash so they can investigate. They will likely want statements from people involved, including you. In this situation, honesty is the best policy.
Tell the police about what you noticed or saw leading up to the accident. If you are worried you could be implicated in the accident, get a lawyer before giving any statement to the authorities.
When is the Best Time to Call a Lawyer About Suing for an 18-Wheeler Accident?
The best time to contact a lawyer is now. You should first get emergency medical care and call a lawyer as soon as you feel better. If your injuries are severe, you may want to ask a friend or family member to call a lawyer immediately on your behalf. The sooner your lawyer can get started, the easier it will be for them to gather evidence and locate witnesses.
How Long Will it Take to Get Financial Compensation After a Truck Crash in West Orange?
The time it takes to actually receive financial compensation will vary based on the legal channels you use and the specific facts of your case.
Insurance claims and settlements tend to move faster and may take only a few weeks to complete. Trials may take months or even over a year to finish. Your attorney can help you determine the best way to get compensation as soon as possible.
Ask Our 18-Wheeler and Truck Accident Attorneys in West Orange for Legal Support
Contact our 18-wheeler and truck accident lawyers by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111 and ask for a free, confidential legal review.