How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in an accident involving a 18-wheeler, you will need a personal attorney who is knowledgeable of trucking laws and can help you obtain the best settlement possible. A truck accident case can take anywhere between three months and two years to settle.
Finding out who is responsible for these incidents can be a challenge and a variety of parties could be responsible for the damages. An experienced attorney will be able identify the parties responsible and take legal action against them.
Damages
Because of the significantly greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to a passenger vehicle, accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks that are large can result in serious, and sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents also typically cause much more substantial destruction to vehicles and property. Therefore, the damages paid out in
18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheeler crash settlements and jury awards tend to be substantially higher than those awarded in an ordinary motor vehicle crash.
In many cases, multiple parties are accountable for an 18-wheeler crash. Truck drivers are usually the main reason for accidents, since they are negligent. The trucking company that they work for may also be held accountable if it fails to provide proper training or equipment for its drivers. Furthermore, the company that operates the truck can be held liable if they encourage or incentivize their drivers to overstep federal hours-of-service regulations. The company that makes the truck or its components could also be held accountable if an auto defect causes an accident.
It is crucial to determine the parties accountable for the accident in order to get a fair and comprehensive settlement. A skilled
18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler lawyer will investigate the case to determine who is responsible for your accident, and will be prepared to seek compensation from each party responsible. Attorneys can seek damages that are not economic, such as discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.
Liability
The cases involving truck accidents can be more complicated than claims for car accidents. There are many parties that can be held responsible for the accident, which includes the driver of the truck and the trucking company and the vehicle manufacturer. The trucking industry offers incentives that can lead trucks to speed recklessly and even sleepless in order to make deliveries on time.
These factors can increase how long it takes to settle a claim for an accident. Injuries to the plaintiff can impact the length of time it takes to get compensation. Serious injuries typically result in higher settlements and less than minor injuries that may only result in a lower settlement.
Furthermore, the trucking company's insurance provider will attempt to reduce their liability by reducing the value the claim. It is essential to contact a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will take on these deceitful tactics in order to get you the justice you deserve.
Additional documents, such as the black box's data and bill of lading, could also help determine who is responsible for the truck accident. These documents can prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly and also aid in determining whether the trucking firm had any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer had a vehicle that was defective or a defective vehicle, they could be accountable for the crash.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations defines the time frame you must bring a lawsuit after the cause of a crash. The time frame varies from state to state and is based on the type of accident you suffered. In general you will have up to four years to file an injury claim and two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can assist you in the process and determine if you have an opportunity to pursue a claim.
A personal injury lawyer will examine the accident scene and interview witnesses, as well as review medical records. They will also examine the logbooks of employees, driver logbooks and maintenance records to determine who is at fault. This can take a considerable amount of time, so it is essential to begin this process as soon as you can in order to secure evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to not pay you the amount you deserved. They might also try to exaggerate or minimize your injuries. If they succeed, it can delay the settlement of your claim. Ultimately, you may be waiting for your settlement for a full year following the crash.
Your lawyer can make sure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire before you are capable of settling your claim or take it to trial. Some circumstances can override the statute of limitation for instance, being a minor and have an intellectual disability.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi truck accidents occur in the United States each year, that can cause fatal injuries or even death. Law firms that focus on these accidents earn a lot of money. Settlements in 18-wheeler collision cases can be in the millions or billions of dollars.
An exhaustive investigation is necessary due to the nature and severity of trucking accidents. This process can take a few months to complete. If there are multiple parties involved, it could take longer to reach an agreement on the liability and damages.
It is vital that a skilled trucking accident attorney is onboard early in the process to ensure that your interests are being protected. A lawyer can assist with determining the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company does not try to settle your claim in a hurry and offers an acceptable price.
Lawyers typically work on a contingency basis. This means that they don't get paid unless they succeed in winning the case. They usually receive around 1/3 of the final settlement or the court's award. They must therefore wait until the remainder of their money arrives before they can settle their expenses and bills.