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

If you are involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler vehicle, you'll require a lawyer who is knowledgeable of trucking laws and can assist you to find the best settlement. A truck accident case could be anywhere between three months and two years to settle.

Multiple parties may be responsible for 18 wheeler accidents your damages. Determining the fault in these types of accidents can be a challenge. An experienced attorney will be able identify the parties responsible and pursue claims against them.

Damages

Accidents involving 18-wheelers or other large commercial trucks could result in serious, life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a commercial truck being greater than a passenger car. These accidents are also more likely to cause extensive destruction to property and vehicles. Therefore, the damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are often much higher than the damages of the typical motor vehicle crash.

There are times when multiple parties are responsible for a crash involving an 18-wheeler. This could include the truck driver who's negligence is typically the main cause of these accidents. The trucking company that they work for could be held accountable if the company does not provide adequate training or equipment for their drivers. Additionally, the trucking company can be held liable if they encourage or incentivize their employees to violate federal hours-of-service regulations. In addition, the company that makes the truck or its parts is liable when there is an auto defect that causes an accident.

Recognizing all parties responsible is vital to securing an equitable and fair settlement. An experienced 18-wheeler lawyer will investigate the incident to determine who is accountable for your accident, and will be prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. In addition to pursuing financial losses, your lawyer can also pursue non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Liability

Truck accident cases are more complicated than regular car accident claims. The truck driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer can all be held accountable for an accident. Additionally, the trucking industry has incentives that could cause trucks to be reckless in their driving and even miss sleep to complete deliveries quickly.

These factors can prolong the time it takes to settle a truck accident claim. Injury to the plaintiff may impact the length of time it takes to get compensation. The severity of injuries can result in an amount of settlement that is higher than minor injuries.

The insurance provider of the trucking company may also attempt to minimize its liability by reducing the value 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 to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Additional documents, such as the black box data and bill of lading, can aid in determining who is accountable for the truck crash. These documents can show that the truck driver was reckless and also help determine whether the trucking firm had any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer manufactured an unsafe vehicle or a defective vehicle, they could be accountable for the accident.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations determines the time limit in which you are able to file a lawsuit after an auto accident. This period can vary by state and is determined by the type accident you were involved in. In general, you have four years to file an injury claim and two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. A knowledgeable attorney will assist you through the process and determine whether you have a claim.

Your personal injury lawyer will review the scene of your accident, speak with witnesses, and look over medical documents, driver logbooks, maintenance and employee records to determine who was at fault for the accident. This can take a substantial amount of time and it is crucial to begin this work as quickly as possible in order to preserve evidence.

The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to not pay you the compensation you deserve. They might also attempt to reduce or exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful it could delay settlement of your claim. You could wait longer than a year for your settlement.

Your lawyer can make sure that the statute of limitation doesn't expire until you settle your claim or brought the matter to court. There are some circumstances that can overcome the statute of limitations, for instance the fact that you are a minor or suffer from a mental handicap.

Timeline

Tens of thousands semi truck accidents happen in the United States each year, that can cause fatal injuries or even death. The law firms that concentrate in these incidents earn a lot of money. Settlements in 18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheeler collision cases could be millions or 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. If there are multiple parties involved, it could take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.

It is crucial that a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer is involved early on to ensure that your best interests are safeguarded. An attorney can assist in determining the best amount of compensation you're entitled. They can also ensure that the insurance company does not attempt to settle your claim quickly and is able to offer a fair price.

Attorneys generally operate on a contingency fee basis. They do not get paid until the case is won. They get about 1/3 of any final settlement or the court's decision. They must therefore wait until the remainder of their funds arrive before they can pay their bills and expenses.