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

The time it takes to settle a trucking accident instance can vary from case to case. There are a number of factors that can influence the speed of settlement.

It can take an extended time to determine who is responsible for an accident. A lawyer can help identify all the parties at fault and maximize the amount you receive.

What to Expect

The time frame for settlement of a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler is contingent on a myriad of factors, including liability and damages. If the parties involved in the incident are not able to reach an agreement on responsibility, this could greatly delay the case. In addition, if there are any disputes over the evidence or witness testimony the process could take longer time to solve these issues.

Depending on the extent of the injuries, the scope of the insurance policy of the trucking company and existing state or federal regulations governing commercial vehicles, settlement amounts can differ widely. It's important to note that plaintiff lawyers are paid on a contingency basis, which means they don't receive compensation unless they win or settle a case.

Due to the serious and often catastrophic injuries that result from accidents involving semi-trucks, it's not a surprise that these cases are lucrative for the lawyers who represent them. It's unusual to see settlements in these cases to exceed millions of dollars or more. This is especially true when the trucking company is declared to be negligent.

Liability

In the United States, there are more than 100,000 accidents each year that involve 18-wheelers. A lot of these accidents result in serious injuries, or even death. Insurance companies often underestimate the injuries and damages suffered by victims in these accidents. However, a reputable 18 wheeler accident attorney can level the playing field and negotiate with these massive insurance companies to get their clients the most lucrative settlements.

In a lawsuit brought against an 18-wheeler the defendants could be held responsible for non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages and future earnings. Other damages include emotional distress, disfigurement or reduced quality of life.

Attorneys who represent plaintiffs in 18 wheeler cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they aren't paid until they win their case and reach an agreement with their client. In the meantime, they have to pay for court fees, take depositions, engage experts and other specialists, travel and pay for other costs related to winning the case.

Damages

18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler accidents can cause serious injuries, especially when they occur at a high speed. The impact of an 18-wheeler accident could be more serious due to its weight and size. The damage could be higher.

In addition to the medical and 18 wheeler accident property damages that can be caused by an 18-wheeler crash, victims can also receive compensation for their lost income and the grief caused by the loss of a loved one. If you have experienced losses as a result of a semi-truck accident an attorney for personal injury can help you determine the amount of the compensation that you may be entitled to receive.

It's not a secret that litigation can be expensive. Attorneys representing plaintiffs must pay for travel expenses and depositions, as well as hire expert witnesses, and pay court costs, so they require their clients' money as fast as they can. There are a variety of ways for plaintiffs to get their money quicker after settlement. These are referred to as post settlement advances, lawsuit loans or settlement cash advances. These are an excellent option for injured parties who require to pay for their expenses while they await their settlement.

Timeline

There are a myriad of elements that determine how long it takes to settle a truck crash case. One major factor is the severity of your injuries. It is crucial to wait until you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement before making a decision on settlement. You could be eligible for future losses, like 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 liability or damages could prolong the settlement process. This can happen when multiple insurance companies are involved, or the parties are not able to agree on who was at fault.

A reputable truck accident attorney can help you determine whether the insurance company offers you a fair amount and if it will cover your current and future damages. If the insurance company is not willing to negotiate, you might have to file a lawsuit and this can extend the duration of the case. In certain instances the case could take more than a year for the resolution.

Settlement

There are several things that can drastically alter the time frame required for an 18-wheeler lawsuit to reach a settlement. This is due to the severity of the injuries and the insurance concerns involved. It could take some time for the documentation from your doctor to reveal permanent impairments that could impact your future losses. Don't settle a claim for an accident too quickly as it may leave you without money to cover the full amount of losses.

Plaintiff attorneys who handle 18 wheeler-related accidents work on contingency fee and don't get paid until they succeed in their case or negotiate a settlement. They must pay for court costs and travel expenses as well as expert witness fees during the process of a case.

As you could imagine, this can add up quite a bit. Many 18-wheeler plaintiff lawyers use settlement cash advances or lawsuit loans to offset their out-of pocket legal expenses. This allows them to get their money earlier.