How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you are 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 get the most favorable settlement. It could take up to three months or a couple of years to settle a truck crash case.
Determining who is at fault in these incidents can be a challenge and multiple parties could be responsible for your injuries. An experienced lawyer can identify all parties liable and seek claims against each of them.
Damages
Due to the greater weight and size of a truck versus passengers accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks of this size often result in serious, and sometimes life-threatening injuries. They also usually cause much more significant damage to property and vehicles. Due to this, damages that juries and settlements award in 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits wheeler accidents tend to be significantly higher than those granted in a typical motor vehicle accident.
Many times, multiple parties are accountable for a crash involving an 18-wheeler. Truck drivers are typically the main cause of accidents because they are negligent. The trucking company that they work for may also be held responsible if it does not provide adequate training or equipment for its drivers. Additionally, the trucking company can be held accountable for encouraging or enticing their employees to violate the federal requirements for hours of service. Additionally, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts can be held liable when there is an auto defect that leads to an accident.
It is important to identify all parties responsible for the accident in order to get an equitable and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18 wheeler accident law firms-wheelers will examine your case to determine who is accountable for your crash and then be prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. Attorneys can pursue non-economic damages, such as discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.
Liability
The cases involving truck accidents can be much more complex than car accident claims. Different parties could be held accountable for the occurrence, including the driver of the truck as well as the trucking firm and the manufacturer of the vehicle. Furthermore, the industry of trucking has incentives that can cause trucks to drive recklessly or even not sleep to deliver deliveries quickly.
These factors can impact the time required to settle a lawsuit. The plaintiff’s injuries also influence how long it takes to get compensation. The most severe injuries usually result in higher settlement amounts and less than minor injuries that might result in a lower settlement.
The insurance provider of the trucking firm will attempt to minimize its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it’s crucial to find a seasoned truck accident attorney as soon as you can. They will take on these tactics of intimidation to make sure that you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Additional documents, like the black box’s data and bill of lading, could aid in determining who is accountable for the truck crash. These documents can show that the driver of the truck was reckless and can help determine whether the trucking company had any involvement in the crash. The truck manufacturer could be held accountable for the accident in the event of a defective product.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations determines the time period within which you can make a claim after an accident in the car. The time frame varies from state to state and also depends on the kind of accident that you were involved in. In general there are four years to file an action for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. A seasoned attorney can guide you through the process and determine if you have any claims.
The personal injury lawyer you hire will review the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also review medical records. They will also look over driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who was at fault. This can take a substantial amount of time, so it is important to begin this work as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
The trucking company, as well as their insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying the amount you are due. They may also try and overstate or minimize the severity of the extent of your injuries. If they succeed this could delay the settling of your claim. Ultimately, you could be left waiting for your settlement for more than a year following your accident.
Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitations doesn’t expire before you are able to settle your claim or go to trial. Certain circumstances may be able to override the statute of limitation, such as if you are a minor and have a mental disability.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi truck accidents occur in the United States each year, which can result in fatal injuries or even death. These accidents are huge business for the law firms who specialize in handling them. Settlements in 18-wheeler accidents can reach millions and billions of dollars.
A thorough investigation is essential due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. This process can take several months. Additionally, if the case involves multiple parties, it could take longer to get them to agree on damages and liability.
To safeguard your rights It is essential to get a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer on board at the beginning of the process. An attorney can help you determine the amount of compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company does not attempt to settle your claim in a hurry and is offering an acceptable price.
Attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they won’t be paid unless they win the case. They receive about one-third of any final settlement or judgment of the court. They have to wait until the rest of their money is received before they can settle their expenses and bills.