How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?

The time needed to settle a trucking accident situation can differ from case to case. The timeframe for settlement can be affected by a variety of factors.

For instance, it may take time to determine who is responsible for the accident. A lawyer can help identify the responsible parties and maximize the settlement.

What to Expect

The time frame for settlement of a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler depends on a myriad of factors, including the amount of liability and damages. The case could be delayed if the parties involved in the accident cannot agree on the cause of the accident. If there are disagreements over the evidence or testimony of witnesses, this can delay the trial.

Depending on the extent of the injuries, the amount of the trucking company's insurance policy and the existing state or federal regulations that govern commercial vehicles, settlement amounts can be wildly different. Keep in mind that plaintiff attorneys are paid on the basis of contingency. This means that they are not paid until they succeed in winning a case or reach a settlement.

Because of the severe and often fatal injuries that can result from accidents involving semi-trucks, it's no surprise that these types of cases are a huge business for the lawyers who handle them. Settlements can be as high as millions of dollars in these cases. This is especially true when the trucking firm has been deemed negligent.

Liability

In the United States, there are more than 100,000 crashes each year that involve 18-wheelers. Many of these truck accidents cause serious injuries or even death. Most often, insurance companies lowball the victims of these accidents with settlement offers that don't reflect the extent of their injuries and damages. However, a reputable 18 wheeler accident attorney can even the playing field and negotiate with these big insurance companies to secure their clients maximum settlements.

In a case involving an 18-wheeler the defendants could be held accountable for non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages can include medical bills, lost wages and 18 wheeler accident future earnings. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering as well as emotional distress, disfigurement and a lower quality of life.

Plaintiff attorneys who take part in 18 wheeler cases are paid on a contingent basis. This means that they do not receive compensation until their case is settled and they negotiate a settlement with their client. In the meantime, they have to pay court costs, attend depositions, hire experts and other specialists, travel and pay for other expenses related to winning a case.

Damages

18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheeler accidents could cause serious injuries, especially if they occur at high speed. Due to the weight and size of these trucks, the impact may be more severe than a regular motor vehicle crash. The damages could also be higher.

In addition to medical and property damages that may result from an 18-wheeler collision victims could also be entitled to compensation for the loss of earnings and grief caused by the loss of loved ones. If you've suffered loss as a result of a semi truck accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you determine the amount of the compensation you are entitled to receive.

The cost of litigation can be high. Attorneys representing plaintiffs need to pay for depositions, travel expenses, expert witnesses, and court costs. They need the money of their clients as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are ways for plaintiffs to get their money quicker after a settlement. These are called post-settlement advances, lawsuit loans, or settlement cash advances. They are a great method for injured parties to cover expenses while they wait on their settlement.

Timeline

There are a variety of factors that contribute to how long it takes to settle a truck accident case. The severity of your injuries is a major factor. It is essential to wait until you've achieved your maximum medical improvement before settling. You could be eligible for future losses, such as reduced wages or a decrease in the quality of life. Your lawyer will have to prove your claims.

A dispute between two parties over the amount of liability or damages can delay the settlement process. This can occur when multiple insurance companies are involved or the parties disagree on who was at fault.

A qualified attorney for truck accidents can help you determine whether the insurance company is willing to pay an adequate amount and whether it will be able to cover your future and current damages. If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate, it might be required to file a lawsuit, which could extend the timeline for the case. In some instances the case may take longer than a year to resolve.

Settlement

There are several things that can drastically alter the timeline it takes for an 18 wheeler lawsuit to settle. The severity of the injuries as well as insurance considerations are two elements that can impact the timeline. It can also take time for your doctor to document of permanent impairments that could affect your future losses. It is vital to never settle your accident claim too early as it can result in you not receiving the funds you'll need to cover your entire range of injuries.

Plaintiff attorneys who litigate in 18-wheeler collisions are paid on a contingency fee basis and are not paid unless they win or agree to an agreement. This means that they've had to spend their own money to cover expenses for travel, court costs and expert witness fees all throughout this case.

As you can imagine, this can add up to quite a lot. Many 18-wheeler plaintiff attorneys employ settlement cash advances, or lawsuit loans to pay for their legal costs out of pocket. This lets them receive the funds earlier.