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

If you're involved in a crash with an 18 wheeler it is essential to hire an attorney for personal injuries who knows the law of trucking and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible settlement. A truck accident case could be anywhere between three months and two years to settle.

Determining who is at fault in these accidents can be complicated and multiple parties could be responsible for your losses. An experienced lawyer can pinpoint the parties responsible and make claims against each one of them.

Damages

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks that are large can cause serious, and even life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a truck being bigger than a standard passenger car. These accidents are also more likely to cause significant destruction to property and vehicles. In this way, the amount of damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are usually significantly greater than those in an ordinary motor vehicle crash.

There are many parties that could be accountable for an 18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheeler crash. Truck drivers are typically the main driver of accidents since they are liable. However, the company they work for could be held accountable in the event they fail to train their drivers or provide them with adequate equipment. Furthermore, the company that operates the truck can be held liable when they encourage or reward their employees to violate the federal regulations on hours of service. The company that makes the truck, or its parts, is also liable if an auto defect causes an accident.

The identification of all responsible parties is essential to secure the most fair and comprehensive settlement. An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorneys wheeler lawyer will investigate your case to determine who is responsible for the accident, and will be fully prepared to seek the compensation of each party responsible. Your lawyer can seek non-economic damages like pain and discomfort as well as financial losses.

Liability

The legal process for truck accidents is more complicated than car accident claims. The truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the vehicle can all be held accountable for the consequences of an accident. Additionally, the trucking industry has incentives that could cause trucks to drive recklessly and even miss sleep to complete deliveries quickly.

These elements can influence the time required to settle a case involving an accident. The plaintiff's injuries also affect the length of time it will take to get compensation. Serious injuries can lead to an amount of settlement that is higher than minor injuries.

In addition, the trucking firm's insurance company will attempt to minimize their responsibility by decreasing the value of the claim. This is why it's crucial to find a seasoned truck accident attorney as soon as you can. They will combat these intimidation tactics to ensure that they get you the compensation you deserve.

Additional documents, like the black box's information and bill of lading, could assist in determining who was accountable for the truck crash. These documents may prove that the truck driver was reckless, 18 wheeler accidents and they will also help determine whether the trucking company had any involvement in the accident. If the manufacturer of the truck had an unsafe vehicle it could be the one responsible for the crash.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitation determines the time frame within which you can file a lawsuit after an automobile accident. This period can vary by state and is contingent on the type of accident you were involved in. You are given a general four-year time frame to file an injury claim and a two year timeframe to file a wrongful deaths suit. An experienced lawyer will assist you through the process and determine whether you have an outstanding case.

Your personal injury lawyer will review the area of the accident, question witnesses, and examine medical records, driver logbooks, maintenance and employee records to find out who was at fault for the accident. This can take a considerable amount of time, so it is important to start the process as soon as you can to ensure the integrity of evidence.

The trucking company and their insurance provider will fight to not pay you the amount you deserved. They might also attempt to minimize your injuries, or even exaggerate them. If they succeed this could delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting longer than a year for your settlement.

Your lawyer will make sure that the time limit does not expire before you're allowed to settle your claim or bring it to trial. Some circumstances can override the statute of limitation like the case of a minor and have an intellectual disability.

Timeline

Tens of thousands semi truck accidents happen in the United States each year, which can result in fatal injuries or even death. These accidents are huge business for law firms that specialize in handling these. Settlements in 18-wheeler accident cases could be millions or billions of dollars.

Due to the nature of trucking accidents an exhaustive investigation has to be conducted in order to properly determine the responsibility and damages. This process can take up to several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it may take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.

It is vital that a skilled trucking accident attorney is in place early in the process to ensure that your best interests are safeguarded. A lawyer can assist in determining what amount of compensation that you are entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to settle your claim quickly and also that they offer the right amount.

Attorneys typically work on a contingent fee basis. They do not get paid until the case is won. They receive about a third of any final settlement or judgment of the court. In the end, they must wait for the rest of the money to arrive before they can pay their bills or expenses.