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

If you're involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler vehicle, you'll need a personal attorney who is well-versed in trucking laws and can help you get the most favorable settlement. It could take between three months and several years to settle a truck accident case.

Multiple parties may be responsible for the damages you suffer. Determining the fault in these types of accidents can be a challenge. An experienced lawyer will be able to identify all liable parties and take legal action against them.

Damages

Because of the significantly greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to passengers accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks that are large can result in severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. They also tend to result in more severe destruction to vehicles and property. Therefore, the damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards tend to be significantly higher than those of a typical motor vehicle accident.

In many cases, multiple parties are responsible for a crash involving an 18-wheeler. It could be the truck driver and his negligence is typically the main cause of these accidents. However, the trucking company they work for could be held responsible in the event that they fail to properly train their drivers or provide them with adequate equipment. The trucking company might also be held accountable if it encourages or rewards their drivers to violate the federal rules regarding hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck or its components could be held accountable if there is an auto defect that results in an accident.

Finding all the responsible parties is essential to secure an honest and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18-wheelers will investigate your case to determine the person responsible for your crash and then be prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. Your attorney can pursue non-economic damages such as pain and discomfort as well as financial losses.

Liability

Truck accident cases are more complex than normal 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 can cause trucks to drive recklessly, or even skip sleep in order to make deliveries quickly.

These factors can affect how long it takes to settle a case involving an accident. Injuries to the plaintiff can influence how long it takes to receive compensation. Serious injuries typically result in larger settlement amounts, as opposed to minor injuries that could result in a lower settlement.

Furthermore, 18 wheeler accidents the trucking company's insurance company will try to reduce their liability by reducing the value the claim. This is why it is crucial to find a seasoned truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. 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 data and bill of lading, could also help determine who is at fault for the truck crash. These documents may prove that the driver of the truck was reckless in his driving. They can also be used to determine whether there was involvement of the trucking company in the crash. If the truck manufacturer manufactured an unreliable vehicle and was responsible for the crash.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations dictates the length of time you must start a lawsuit in the event of an accident. The time frame varies from state to state and depends on the type of accident you were in. You have a general four-year window to file a personal injury lawsuit and a two-year time frame to file a wrongful death suit. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process and determine if you're eligible for a case.

A personal injury lawyer will look over the scene of the accident, interview witnesses and review medical records. They will also examine driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records in order to determine who is responsible for the accident. This can take a substantial amount of time, and it is important to begin the process as soon as you can in order to secure evidence.

The trucking company and their insurance company will do all they can to delay paying the amount you are due. They might also attempt to exaggerate or minimize the extent of your injuries. If they succeed they could delay the settlement of your claim. In the end, you could be left waiting for your settlement for a full year after the accident.

Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitations does not expire before you are allowed to settle your claim or take it to trial. There are some circumstances that may be able to override the statute of limitations, such as the fact that you are a minor or have a mental handicap.

Timeline

In the United States, there are tens of thousands of semi truck accidents each year that cause debilitating injuries and death. The law firms that concentrate on these accidents earn a lot of money. Settlements in 18 wheeler accident lawsuits-wheeler accident cases can reach millions and even billions of dollars.

Due to the nature of trucking accidents, a thorough investigation must be done to determine liability and damages. This process can take several months. In addition, if the case involves multiple parties, it may take longer for them to come to an agreement on the liability and damages.

It is crucial that a knowledgeable trucking accident attorney is in place at the beginning of the process to ensure that your best interests are protected. An attorney can assist with determining the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also make sure that the insurance company doesn't try to settle your claim quickly and is providing a fair amount.

Attorneys typically work on a contingency basis. They do not get paid until the case is won. They get around a third of any final settlement or court decision. They have to wait until the remainder of their money is available before they can settle their expenses and bills.