Semi-trailer ‘Black Box’ Technology Aids in Crash Investigation

Trucking accidents cause thousands of catastrophic and devastating injuries and deaths each year, resulting in lawsuits which can often take an extended time to settle. During this time, victims may be faced with mounting medical bills, mortgage payments, household bills, or even worse – funeral expenses. The financial strain can not only seriously impacts one’s life, it can also impact the case. Litigation funding may be the best non-risk solution to avoid an early settlement.

A mother, father, and 3-year-old daughter were killed when a semi driver ran a red light and T-boned their Jeep Cherokee. After hitting the Jeep, the truck hit two other vehicles. Those drivers were treated and released at the scene. The truck driver was transported to the hospital for serious injuries after a two-hour effort to extricate him from the semi.

The preliminary investigation pointed to inattentive driving by the semi operator as the cause of the accident. Police are reviewing footage available from gas station surveillance cameras that were located next to the wreck, and also said they have pulled the semi’s “black box” which indicates that the semi driver was speeding. The investigation is ongoing.

The last thing the family of the deceased needs is to face legal and financial issues, but it is important for them to contact an experienced attorney to understand their rights.

No matter how obvious it may appear that the truck driver is at fault, this is by no means an open and shut case. The claim can still take years to settle as the trucking company and its insurance provider do everything in their power to avoid liability. They may claim the semi suffered an unforeseeable mechanical issue or even that the victims were at least partially negligent.

Wrongful death accidents such as this one often financial hardship. If family and friends can’t provide monetary support until the case settles, where else can the family turn for help?

Litigation funding is a non-recourse cash advance against the future proceeds of the case. It is a smart, strategic move because it allows plaintiffs pay medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and ongoing monthly bills during the litigation process.

Once a request for funding is received, Lawsuit Financial works directly with the plaintiff’s attorney to determine the strength of the case. Credit standing and employment history are not factors in our funding decision. Most times, we can have a funding decision within 24 – 48 hours. Best of all, there are no payments until the case settles. If the case is lost, the cash advance does not have to be repaid. Where else can you obtain a “risk-free lawsuit loan”?

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an auto accident, begin by consulting an experienced attorney. Once you are in a pending lawsuit, if you need financial assistance, call Lawsuit Financial or complete our online application. It may be the difference between settling for less too early and waiting for a fair judgment later.

Investigators Say Trucker Fatigue and Meth Use Likely Cause of Crash That Left Six Dead

Fatigued driving has become an epidemic. Those most likely to drive while drowsy or fatigued are commercial truck drivers, cab drivers, and late-night shift workers.

A crash on a Tennessee highway that left six people dead last year was probably due to a fatigued truck driver who had taken methamphetamine to stay awake, according to a recent report by federal investigators.

On June 25, 2015, a tractor trailer failed to slow down in a construction zone and plowed into multiple vehicles on Interstate 75, killing six and injuring six others. Investigators said the trucker was traveling approximately 80 mph despite ample warnings that he was approaching a construction zone with a 55-mph limit. There was no indication of heavy braking or that he tried to take evasive action before causing the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also cited a failure in the trucking company’s employee screening process which would have shown that the driver had been fired from a previous trucking job two years earlier because of illegal drug use. The trucker even tested positive for meth less than three months prior to the crash, under a separate court order. The agency also found that the truck driver had likely gone without sustained rest for 40 hours before the crash. He was indicted on six counts of vehicular homicide, four counts of reckless aggravated assault, driving under the influence of narcotics, speeding and making false reports about his duty status.

At least two lawsuits have been filed against the truck driver and his employer alleging that the crash happened as a result of “their reckless and grossly negligent actions.” The complaints also allege that the trucker had a pattern of dangerous behavior prior to the deadly crash. Just a day prior, he was cited for careless driving in Florida after sideswiping another truck. Additionally, he did not submit a drug test after the Florida crash, a requirement under the Federal Motor Carrier Association, according to the claims.

While the lawsuits will help compensated victims for their loss, attorneys for the plaintiffs hope these claims will enforce stricter guidelines involving commercial truck drivers, so that such a tragic crash does not happen again. That will surely take time, just as it will to achieve a settlement in these cases.

The financial strain during times like this not only seriously impacts your life, it also impacts your case. A financially desperate plaintiff is not in a favorable position regarding settlement negotiations. If you are in need of a cash flow solution during the litigation process, lawsuit funding may be a viable option.

Lawsuit Financial Corporation helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by plaintiffs involved in pending, personal injury litigation. With a lawsuit cash advance, you have a strategic advantage; litigation funding gives you leverage against the insurance company and prevents you from being forced to take inadequate offers. With the financial pressure removed, there is no need to resolve any case for less than the full value of your injuries.

Lawsuit Financial is a leader in providing auto accident lawsuit funding. Call us today for a complimentary evaluation of your case. Applications can be completed in less than 5 minutes, and require not upfront fees, credit reports, or employment verification. Funding decisions are often made within 24 – 48 hours. Best of all, repayment is made only when you successfully settle your case.

We also want to urge everyone to be mindful of fatigue and not drive. Eliminating this risk will go a long way to preventing serious and fatal auto accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawsuit Funding

How can your lawsuit funding help me?

No plaintiff should be forced to settle early, for too little, due to financial hardship. Lawsuit funding is a cash advance to assist plaintiffs with immediate expenses while waiting out a long litigation process.

Is lawsuit funding a loan?

Although lawsuit funding is sometimes referred to as a lawsuit loan, this type of financial transaction is not a loan in the traditional sense. With a loan, you are responsible for repayment, usually via monthly payments, regardless of your situation. Repayment of a lawsuit cash advance is only made once the case successfully settles.

What if I don't win my case?

Lawsuit funding is provided on a non-recourse bases. If you do not win your case, you are under no obligation to pay back the cash advance. The money is yours to keep.

What are the eligibility requirements? What states do you offer funding?

To be eligible for lawsuit funding, you must be have suffered serious injury due to the negligence of someone else, have attorney representation and a strong case with merit. We provide funding nationwide.

What if I don't have an attorney yet?

If you have not retained an attorney to handle your case, Lawsuit Financial can assist you in finding the best attorney available in all 50 states. This is a free service, with no obligations.

What type of cases are eligible for funding?

Almost any personal injury case is eligible for lawsuit funding. We have funded auto accidents, trucking accidents, product liability cases, nursing home negligent cases, medical malpractice, and more. Visit our website for a complete list.

Are there upfront fees or monthly payments?

There are no upfront fees, monthly payments, or out-of-pocket expenses of any kind. Repayments is only due after the case is settled and your settlement payment has been received.

How long is the application process? If approved, how long does it take to receive the money?

We offer a quick and easy application online or over the phone. It should take less than five minutes to complete. Once we receive and application, we request case documentation from your attorney to determine funding. If approved, we can usually wire transfer or overnight mail the funds within 24 – 48 hours.

Are there conditions on how I use the money?

The cash advance can be used anyway you wish, although it is recommended that they be used for necessities – paying the mortgage/rent, auto payments, medical expenses, and daily household needs such as putting food on the table and paying utility bills.

Do you get involved in my case? Do you keep my information confidential?

We are not involved in the legal proceedings of your case in any way. All decisions concerning your case are made by you and your attorney. All information that is provided to us is kept strictly confidential. Case information is only used for the purposes of evaluating your funding eligibility and making a funding decision. We do not disclose information unless directed by you, your attorney or a lawful court order or subpoena.

Are your bills piling up waiting for your lawsuit to settle? Let Lawsuit Financial give you the time to fight your case for the compensation you deserve. Call us toll-free at 877-377-7848 for a free  case funding evaluation or to apply for a lawsut cash advance.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation. For more information, visit www.lawsuitfinancial.com.

Despite Regulations, Fatigue Remains Common Cause of Trucking Accidents

The government has imposed a series of restrictions on the amount of time big rig drivers may spend behind the wheel. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), restrictions include:

• Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Drivers may drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since end of driver’s last off-duty or sleeper berth period of at least 30 minutes.
• Drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. 

Drivers must also keep a record of service in case there are any questions whether the driver violated any of the restrictions. In addition to hours-of-service rules, there are laws setting out inspection, repair and maintenance of trucks, transportation of hazardous materials, and truck size and weight route designations.

If a truck driver drives beyond these hours and his fatigue is deemed a factor in an accident, the driver, the truck owner/operator and the company that employed the driver may all be liable for the accident.

Most recently, a Tennessee semi-tractor trailer driver fell asleep behind the wheel before causing a 12-vehicle accident on I-55, according to Illinois State Police. Five people were transported to local hospitals for treatment with non-life threatening injuries.  An additional nine people were treated at the scene. In addition to being charged with driving while fatigued, the truck driver was also charged with brakes out of adjustment, 14-hour rule violation, false report of duty status, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident that you believe was caused by truck driver fatigue, you may be entitled to receive compensation for damages incurred, such as current and future medical bills, lost wages, physical pain and emotional anguish. It is important to contact an experienced attorney who can assess the facts of the case and help determine who bears liability.

Between injuries, lost wages, and dealing with a lengthy litigation process, the aftermath of a truck accident can be an emotional and financially devastating time. Lawsuit funding can provide the money you need to pay bills and keep your family protected while your case winds through court.

LawsuitFinancial, a leader in legal funding industry, provides no-risk lawsuit funding without a credit check, employment verification, or monthly payments. Once approved for funding, you can pay the bills and focus on healing. The advance is paid back when your case settles; lose your case and you owe nothing.

If you were injured in trucking accident that wasn’t your fault and struggling financially while waiting for your case to settle, you may want to consider a risk-free cash advance from Lawsuit Financial.

About Us
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a leader in the lawsuit funding industry and recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. We are dedicated to securing lawsuit cash advances to plaintiffs based on case assessment only. Every case is thoroughly reviewed to ensure the highest probability of being funded. With a streamlined process, our professional staff works to ensure that each request for funding is processed quickly and efficiently, with funding available in as little as 24 hours. Lawsuit Financial prides itself on honest and exceptional customer service. Putting our clients, and their specific funding needs, first is our number one goal.