Does the State of Maine recognize a difference between a truck accident claim and a truck accident lawsuit?
A truck accident claim and a truck accident lawsuit are two different things. A truck accident claim is something that is filed with the insurance company after a truck collision has occurred. A truck accident lawsuit, on the other hand, is filed with the court. While a truck accident victim may need to file both a claim and lawsuit after suffering injuries in a wreck, it is important for them to understand the difference between the two.
Understanding Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident claims are handled by the insurance company. When an individual has been injured in an accident with a large truck and it was the truck driver’s negligent actions that led to the crash, then the company the vehicle is insured by is likely liable for covering property damage, medical expenses, and more.
Once an insurer has been notified of an accident and initiates the claims process, an investigation will need to be conducted to confirm the trucker was liable for the wreck.
Tip: Truck accident victims are encouraged to contact a Maine truck accident lawyer before discussing the incident with the other party’s insurer. This can help prevent them from saying something that could later be used to deny their claim or reduce the value of it.
Potential Outcomes After a Truck Accident Claim Has Been Filed
If the insurer finds that it is responsible for covering a victim’s damages, it may offer them a settlement. Settlements should be reviewed by an experienced lawyer to ensure the amount is reasonable. Once a settlement is accepted from an insurer, a victim can no longer pursue the carrier for additional compensation.
If the insurer finds that the victim shared some of the blame or that certain damages aren’t covered, the adjuster may try and offer the victim an amount that is lesser than what they should be paid. When this happens, it is always a good idea for a claimant to retain a Maine truck accident attorney.
Understanding Truck Accident Lawsuits
Truck accident lawsuits are often filed after an individual suffered serious injuries in a collision or was unable to recover the full amount they were due from the insurer. The lawsuit process is much different than the insurance claims process as it involves the court. While most associate lawsuits with lengthy court hearings and a trial, this isn’t always the case. In fact, a truck accident lawyer can help their client reach a settlement agreement with the other party early on, if they are willing to settle, so that the case can end quickly.
In the event a settlement agreement is not reached after negotiations occur, then both parties will have their opportunity to share their side of the story and a judge will make the final ruling during the trial.
Important: The State of Maine does impose a deadline to get a lawsuit filed for personal injuries. Currently, the state allows a victim six years from the date of their accident or their injuries became known to file their lawsuit.1
Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer in Maine After a Collision
Truck accident attorneys are often hired when a victim is looking to recover compensation for the various damages they suffered. An attorney will not only protect their right to compensation, but they will also help them fight for a fair outcome. Hiring an attorney is easy with USAttorneys.com as they will get a victim connected with a legal expert in their city right away.
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