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

If you're involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, then you'll require a lawyer who is well-versed in trucking laws and can help you find the best settlement. It can take between three months and several years to settle a truck crash case.

Determining who is at fault in these kinds of accidents can be challenging and several parties could be responsible for your losses. A knowledgeable attorney can determine all parties liable and seek claims against each of them.

Damages

Due to the higher weight and size of a truck than the size of a car, accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks of this size often result in severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to cause significant destruction to property and vehicles. In this way, the amount of damages awarded in 18 wheeler accident settlements and 18 wheeler accident jury awards are often significantly greater than those in the typical motor vehicle crash.

There are many parties that could be accountable for an 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler crash. Truck drivers are usually the primary cause of accidents, as they are negligent. The trucking company that they work for may also be held accountable if it does not provide proper training or equipment to their drivers. The trucking company might also be liable if it encourages or rewards its drivers to break federal regulations on hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck, 18 wheeler accident or its parts, can also be held responsible in the event that an auto defect leads to an accident.

Recognizing all parties responsible is essential to secure a full and fair settlement. A knowledgeable attorney for 18-wheelers will examine the case to determine which party is accountable for your accident and will be prepared to seek compensation from each party responsible. In addition to pursuing financial losses, your lawyer can also pursue damages not monetary, such as suffering and pain.

Liability

The cases involving truck accidents can be much more complex than claims for car accidents. The truck driver, the trucking company and vehicle manufacturer can all be held accountable for an accident. The trucking industry also provides incentives that could encourage trucks to drive recklessly or even to skip sleep in order to speed up deliveries.

These factors can affect the amount of time required to settle a truck accident claim. The plaintiff's injuries also have an impact on how long it will take to get compensation. For serious injuries, it is possible to receive more money in settlements than minor injuries.

The insurance provider of the trucking company will also try to limit its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it is crucial to find a seasoned truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. They will be able to counter these intimidating tactics to get you the compensation you deserve.

In addition, other documents like the bill of lading or black box data can help identify who is responsible for the truck accident. These documents can prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly and can aid in determining whether the trucking company was involved in any involvement in the accident. The truck manufacturer may also be held accountable for the accident in the event of a defective product.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations determines how long you have to make a claim for a crash. The time frame varies by state and is contingent on the type of accident you were involved in. In general you will have up to four years to file a personal injury claim, and two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the process and determine if you have an outstanding case.

Your personal injury attorney will examine the accident scene and interview witnesses, as well as review medical records. They will also examine driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who was responsible for the accident. It can take a long time and it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to preserve the evidence.

The trucking company, and their insurance company will do all they can to avoid paying the amount you are due. They might also attempt to downplay your injuries or even exaggerate them. If they are successful this could delay the settlement of your claim. You could wait more than a whole year to receive your settlement.

Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire until you have settled your claim or taken it to court. There are certain circumstances that may be able to override the time limit, for example the fact that you are a minor or suffer from a mental handicap.

Timeline

In the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of semi-truck accidents every year that result in severe injuries and death. Law firms that focus on these accidents earn lots of money. Settlements in 18-wheeler accident cases can reach millions and billions of dollars.

Due to the nature of trucking accidents an extensive investigation needs to be carried out to determine the extent of liability and damages. This process can take several months. Additionally, if the case involves multiple parties, it may take longer for them to agree on damages and liability.

To protect your interests it is crucial to get a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer on your side early in the process. An attorney can assist in determining what amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also make sure that the insurance company does not attempt to settle your claim quickly and is offering an affordable price.

Attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis. They are not paid unless the case is won. They typically receive about one-third of the final settlement or court award. This means that they must wait for the remainder of the money to be received before they can pay their bills and expenses.