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

If you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler accident law firms-wheeler, then you'll need a personal attorney who is well-versed in trucking laws and can assist you to find the best settlement. A truck accident case can take anywhere between three months to two years to settle.

There could be multiple parties responsible for your losses. Finding out who was at fault for these incidents is a complicated. An experienced attorney can identify all responsible parties and seek claims against each of them.

Damages

Due to the greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to an automobile the accidents that involve 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can result in serious, and sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents can also result in more severe damage to property and vehicles. As such, damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are usually much higher than the damages of an ordinary motor vehicle crash.

In many cases, multiple parties are responsible for an 18-wheeler crash. Truck drivers are often the primary cause of accidents because they are negligent. However, the trucking company they work for can be held accountable when they fail to adequately train their drivers or provide them with the proper equipment. The trucking company might also be liable if they encourage or rewards its drivers to break the federal laws regarding hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck or its parts can be held responsible when there is an auto defect that causes an accident.

It is important to identify all parties responsible for the accident in order to get an honest and complete settlement. A skilled 18 wheeler lawyer will examine your case to determine who is accountable for your crash and then be prepared to pursue compensation from each of the parties responsible. Attorneys can pursue non-economic damages, such as discomfort and pain in addition to financial losses.

Liability

Truck accident cases are more complex than normal car accident claims. Various parties can be held accountable for the accident, which includes the driver of the truck, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer. The trucking industry also provides incentives that could encourage trucks to drive recklessly or even skip sleeping to speed up deliveries.

These factors can impact how long it takes to settle a lawsuit. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff also affect the time it takes to get compensation. Severe injuries often lead to larger settlement amounts as opposed to minor injuries that could result in a smaller settlement.

The insurance provider of the trucking firm will try to minimize its liability by reducing the value of the claim. It is essential to find a truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to fight these tactics of intimidation to make sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

Additional documents, like the black box's information and bill of lading assist in determining who was responsible for the truck accident. These documents may show that the driver of the truck was reckless in his driving. They can also be used to determine whether there was any involvement of the trucking company involved in the accident. The manufacturer of the truck could also be liable for the accident in the event that they manufactured a defective product.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations defines the time frame you must make a claim for the cause of a crash. This period can vary by state and is contingent on the type accident you were involved in. In general, you have four years to file an injury claim for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful death suit. A seasoned attorney will assist you through the process and determine whether you have an action.

Your personal injury lawyer will review the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also review medical records. They will also review driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who is at fault. It can take a long time and it's crucial to begin the process as soon possible to preserve the evidence.

The trucking company and their insurance company will do everything they can to prevent paying you what you deserve. They may also try and minimize or exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they succeed, this can delay the settlement of your claim. You could wait for more than a full year for your settlement.

Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitation is not triggered until you have settled your claim or taken it to court. There are a few circumstances that can overcome the statute of limitations, including the fact that you are a minor or have mental impairment.

Timeline

Tens of thousands of semi-truck accidents happen in the United States each year, leading to fatal injuries or even death. The law firms that specialize in these cases earn a lot of money. The settlements made in 18 wheeler accident cases have been in the millions of dollars and often, billions.

An extensive investigation is necessary due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. The process can take several months to be completed. Additionally, if the case involves several parties, it might take longer for them to agree on damages and liability.

To safeguard your rights it is vital to have a skilled trucking accident lawyer on board early in the process. An attorney can help you determine the maximum compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company is not trying to pay your claim too fast and they are providing a fair value.

Attorneys usually work on a contingent fee. They are not paid until the case is won. They are paid about 1/3 of any final settlement or judgment of the court. They must therefore wait until the remainder of their money is available before they can pay their expenses and bills.