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

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

There could be multiple parties responsible for your losses. The process of determining who is responsible for these types of accidents can be a challenge. An experienced attorney can identify all parties liable and pursue claims against them.

Damages

Due to the higher weight and size of a commercial truck compared to passengers the accidents that involve 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks that are large can result in serious, and sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to result in significant damage to vehicles and property. In this way, the amount of damages paid out in 18 wheeler crash settlements and jury awards tend to be much higher than the damages of an ordinary motor vehicle crash.

Sometimes, several parties are responsible for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are often the primary reason for accidents, since they are liable. The trucking company that is employed by them could be held accountable if the company fails to provide proper training or equipment for its drivers. In addition, the trucking company is liable if they encourage or incentivize their employees to violate federal hours-of-service regulations. The manufacturer of the truck, or its parts, can also be held responsible when an auto defect causes an accident.

It is crucial to determine the parties responsible for the accident to secure a fair and comprehensive settlement. A skilled 18 wheeler lawyer will examine your case to determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and will be fully prepared to seek settlement from each party accountable. In addition to seeking financial losses, your attorney can also pursue damages not monetary like pain and suffering.

Liability

The cases involving truck accidents can be more complicated than claims for car accidents. The truck driver, trucking company and vehicle manufacturer could all be held accountable for the consequences of an accident. The trucking industry also has incentives that can cause trucks to drive recklessly, or even skip sleeping to make quick deliveries.

These factors can prolong the time needed to settle a truck accident claim. The plaintiff's injuries also influence how long it will take to receive compensation. Severe injuries often lead to higher settlement amounts in comparison to minor injuries that might result in a lower settlement.

Additionally, the trucking company's insurance provider will attempt to minimize their liability by decreasing the value of the claim. Therefore, it is important to get a truck crash lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to fight these intimidation tactics to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Additional documents, such as the black box data as well as the bill of lading assist in determining who was responsible for the truck accident. These documents may prove that the driver of the truck was reckless in his driving. They can also be used to determine whether there was involvement by the trucking company in the accident. The truck manufacturer could be accountable for the crash in the event that they manufactured a defective product.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations defines the time limit in which you can bring a lawsuit following a car accident. This period varies by state and depends on the type of accident you were involved in. There is a four-year period to file an injury lawsuit and a two-year period to file a wrongful-death suit. A seasoned attorney will assist you through the process and determine whether you have a case.

Your personal injury lawyer will investigate the site of your accident, speak with witnesses, and examine medical records, driver logbooks employee files, and maintenance records to determine who was at fault for the accident. It can take a long time and it's crucial to start this process promptly to protect the evidence.

The trucking company and their insurance provider will fight to stop paying you the amount you deserved. They may also try and minimize or exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful, it can delay the settlement of your claim. Ultimately, you could be waiting for a settlement for over a year after the accident.

Your lawyer will be able to ensure that the statute of limitations does not expire before you are allowed to settle your claim or bring it to trial. There are some circumstances that can overcome the statute of limitations, for instance the fact that you are a minor or suffer from mental impairment.

Timeline

Tens of thousands semi truck accidents occur in the United States each year, which can result in fatal injuries or even death. These incidents are a huge business for the law firms that specialize in handling these. The settlements made in 18 wheeler accident lawyers wheeler accidents have been in the millions of dollars and often, billions of dollars.

Due to the nature of trucking accidents, a thorough investigation must be completed to determine the extent of liability and damages. This process can take several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it might take longer to reach an agreement on liability and damages.

To safeguard your interests it is vital to have a skilled trucking accident lawyer on board at the beginning of the process. A lawyer can assist you in determining what amount of compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company doesn't try to settle your claim in a hurry and is able to offer a fair amount.

Attorneys usually are paid on a contingency basis. They are not paid until the case is won. They typically receive about 1/3 of the final settlement or court award. As a result, they must wait for the rest of the money to come in before they can pay their bills and expenses.