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

If you're involved in an accident involving a 18-wheeler, you will require a lawyer who is familiar with trucking laws and can assist you to obtain the best settlement possible. It can take up to three months or several years to settle a truck accident case.

Determining who is at fault in these accidents can be complicated and several parties could be responsible for your losses. A skilled attorney will be able to identify the parties responsible and pursue claims against them.

Damages

Accidents involving 18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheelers or other large commercial trucks can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a truck which is greater than a passenger car. These accidents are also more likely to cause substantial damage to vehicles and property. The damages awarded in 18 wheeler accident settlements and jury awards are often significantly higher than those of the typical motor vehicle crash.

Many times, multiple parties are responsible for an 18-wheeler collision. Truck drivers are typically the primary 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 the proper equipment. The trucking company could also be liable if it encourages or rewards its drivers to violate the federal laws regarding hours of service. Additionally, the manufacturer of the truck or its components is liable in the event of an auto defect which causes an accident.

Identifying all the liable parties is essential to ensure an honest and complete settlement. A knowledgeable attorney for 18 wheeler accident lawsuits-wheelers will investigate the case to determine who is responsible for your accident and be prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. Your lawyer can seek non-economic damages like discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.

Liability

Accidents involving trucks can be much more complex than claims for car accidents. The truck driver, the trucking company and 18 wheeler accident vehicle manufacturer can all be held accountable for the consequences of an accident. The trucking industry has incentives that can cause trucks to be reckless and even miss sleep to make deliveries quickly.

These elements can influence the time required to settle a lawsuit. Personal injuries to the plaintiff can affect the time it takes to get compensation. The most severe injuries usually result in larger settlement amounts and less than minor injuries that may only result in a smaller settlement.

Additionally, the trucking company's insurance provider will try to minimize their liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it is important to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. They will fight against these tactics of intimidation to make sure that you get the settlement you deserve.

Additional documents, such as the black box data as well as the bill of lading, could aid in determining who is responsible for the accident on the truck. These documents could prove that the truck driver was reckless, and they will also help determine whether the trucking firm had any involvement in the crash. The manufacturer of the truck could also be liable for the accident if they had a defective product.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations determines the period of time that you can make a claim after an automobile accident. This period varies by state and also depends on the kind of accident you were in. You have a four-year period for filing an injury lawsuit and a two year timeframe to file a wrongful death suit. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the process and determine if you have an issue.

Your personal injury lawyer will investigate the scene of the accident, interview witnesses and review medical records. They will also review the logbooks of employees, driver logbooks and maintenance records in order to determine who is at fault. This could take some time and it's crucial to begin the process as soon possible to preserve the evidence.

The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to deny you what you are due. They may also try and minimize or exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they succeed they could delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting more than a whole year for your settlement.

Your lawyer can make sure that the statute of limitation doesn't expire until you have settled your claim or taken it to court. Certain circumstances may override the statute of limitations for instance, when you are a minor and have mental disabilities.

Timeline

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

Due to the nature of trucking accidents it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation done to determine the extent of liability and damages. This process can take several months to complete. In addition, if the case involves multiple parties, it could take longer for them to come to an agreement on the liability and damages.

To safeguard your interests, it's crucial to have a seasoned trucking accident lawyer on board at the beginning of the process. A lawyer can assist you with determining the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. They can also make sure that the insurance company isn't trying to settle your claim quickly and that they are offering an appropriate amount.

Attorneys usually operate on a contingent fee basis. This means that they aren't paid until they win the case. They typically receive about a third of the final settlement or the court's award. They have to wait until the remainder of their funds arrive before they can pay for their expenses and bills.