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

If you've been involved in a collision with an 18 wheeler, you need an attorney for personal injuries who knows the law regarding trucking and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible settlement. A truck accident case can be anywhere between three months to two years to settle.

Determining fault in these incidents can be a challenge and several parties could be responsible for your injuries. 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 versus a passenger vehicle accident involving 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheelers or other large commercial trucks often result in severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to cause substantial damage to vehicles and property. The damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are usually substantially higher than those awarded in the typical motor vehicle crash.

In most cases, multiple parties could be responsible for the cause of an 18-wheeler crash. Truck drivers are usually the primary cause of accidents because they are negligent. However, the company they work for could be held responsible when they fail to adequately educate their drivers or provide them with proper equipment. Furthermore, the company that operates the truck could be held accountable for incentivizing or encouraging their employees to violate the federal regulations on hours of service. Additionally, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts is liable for an auto defect that leads to an accident.

It is essential to identify the parties responsible for the accident in order to get a fair and comprehensive settlement. An experienced 18 wheeler lawyer will investigate your case to determine who is responsible for the accident, and will be prepared to pursue the compensation of each party responsible. In addition to seeking financial losses, 18 wheeler accidents your lawyer may also pursue other damages like suffering and pain.

Liability

The legal process for truck accidents is more complicated than regular car accident claims. The truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the vehicle can all be held responsible for an accident. The trucking industry has incentives that could encourage trucks to speed recklessly or even to sleep in order to make quick deliveries.

These factors can prolong the time required to settle a truck accident claim. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff could affect the time it takes to get compensation. Injuries that are severe can result in more money in settlements than minor injuries.

The insurance company of the trucking company will try to minimize 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 secure you the compensation you deserve.

Additional documents, like the black box's information and bill of lading can aid in determining who is responsible for the accident on the truck. These documents could prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly. They can also be used to determine whether there was involvement of the trucking company in the accident. If the truck manufacturer had a vehicle that was defective and was responsible for the crash.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations defines the time frame within which you can file a lawsuit after an accident in the car. The time frame varies from state to state and depends on the type of accident you were in. In general, you have four years to bring a personal injury claim, and two years to file a wrongful-death suit. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you through the process and determine if you have an action.

Your personal injury lawyer will look over the site of your accident, question witnesses, and scrutinize medical documents, driver logbooks, employee files, and maintenance records to find out who was at fault for the accident. This can take some 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 delay paying what you deserve. They might also attempt to minimize your injuries or even exaggerate them. If they are successful they could delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting longer than a year to receive your settlement.

Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitation will not run out until you have settled your dispute or brought the matter to court. Certain circumstances may override the statute of limitations in certain situations, for example, if you are a minor and have a mental disability.

Timeline

In the United States, there are tens of thousands of semi truck accidents every year that cause devastating injuries and deaths. These accidents are a major business for law firms that specialize in handling these. Settlements in 18-wheeler accidents can reach millions and billions of dollars.

A thorough investigation is required due to the nature and severity of trucking accidents. This procedure can take several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it can take longer to reach an agreement on liability and damages.

It is vital that a skilled trucking accident attorney is in place early on to ensure that your best interests are being protected. A lawyer can assist in determining the best amount of compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company does not try to settle your claim quickly and offers a fair amount.

Lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. They are not paid until the case is won. They get about a third of any final settlement or judgment of the court. In the end, they have to wait for the rest of the money to be received before they are able to pay for their bills and expenses.