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

If you're involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler you'll need an attorney who is familiar with the laws governing trucking and will assist you in obtaining the best possible settlement. It can take up to three months or a couple of years to settle a truck crash case.

There could be multiple parties responsible for your damages. Determining the fault in these accidents is complicated. An experienced lawyer can identify all responsible parties and assert claims against each of them.

Damages

Due to the higher weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to a passenger vehicle accident involving 18-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 property and vehicles. As such, damages awarded in 18 Wheeler Accident (Vimeo.Com) settlements and jury awards are typically significantly higher than those of a typical motor vehicle accident.

Sometimes, several parties can be at fault for an 18-wheeler accident. These include the driver of the truck who's negligence is typically the leading cause of these accidents. However, the company they work for could be held accountable in the event that they fail to properly train their drivers or provide them with adequate equipment. In addition, the trucking company can be held accountable if they encourage or incentivize their drivers to go over the federal regulations on hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck or its components could also be held accountable if an auto defect causes an accident.

The identification of all responsible parties is essential to ensure an equitable and fair settlement. A competent attorney for 18-wheelers will investigate the case to determine which party is responsible for your accident, and 18 Wheeler Accident will be prepared to pursue compensation from each responsible party. In addition to seeking financial losses, 18 wheeler accident your lawyer may also pursue damages that are not economic like suffering and pain.

Liability

Truck accident cases are much more complex than typical car accident claims. The truck driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer can all be held accountable for an accident. The trucking industry also offers incentives that could encourage trucks to be reckless and even skip sleeping to speed up deliveries.

These elements can influence how long it takes to settle a case involving an accident. The injuries of the plaintiff also play a role in how long it will take to receive compensation. Serious injuries typically result in higher settlement amounts, as opposed to minor injuries that might result in a lower settlement.

Additionally, the trucking company's insurance company will attempt to minimize their liability by reducing the value of the claim. It is essential to find a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will be able to fight these tactics to ensure that you receive the money you are entitled to.

Additional documents, such as the black box data as well as the bill of lading can assist in determining who was responsible for the accident on the truck. These documents may prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly. They can also be used to determine if there was any involvement by the trucking company in the crash. If the truck manufacturer had a defective vehicle or a defective vehicle, they could be accountable for the accident.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitation sets the period of time that you can make a claim after an auto accident. This timeframe varies from state to state and is contingent on the kind of accident you were involved in. In general there are four years to file a personal injury claim, and two years to file a wrongful death suit. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the process and determine whether you have a case.

Your personal injury lawyer will review the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also look over medical records. They will also go through driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records in order to determine who is responsible for the accident. This could take some time, so it's important to begin this work promptly to protect the evidence.

The trucking company, as well as their insurance company will do all they can to delay paying what you deserve. They might also attempt to minimize or exaggerate the extent of your injuries. If they are successful, this can delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting longer than a year to receive your settlement.

Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitations will not expire before you are allowed to settle your claim or take it to trial. Certain circumstances may override the statute of limitations for instance, when you are minor and suffer from a mental disability.

Timeline

Tens of thousands semi truck accidents occur in the United States each year, which can result in fatal injuries or even death. The law firms that concentrate in these incidents earn lots of money. Settlements in 18-wheeler collision cases can be in the millions or billions of dollars.

A thorough investigation is required due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. This process can take up to several months. In addition, if a case involves multiple parties, it may take longer for them to come to an agreement on liability and damages.

It is essential that a seasoned trucking accident lawyer is present early on to ensure that your best interests are being safeguarded. A lawyer can help you in determining what amount of compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company does not attempt to settle your claim quickly and is providing a fair amount.

Attorneys usually operate on a contingent fee basis. They do not get paid until the case is won. They generally receive around one third of the final settlement or court award. In the end, they must wait for the rest of the money to come in before they can pay their bills and expenses.