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

If you're involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you'll require a lawyer who is familiar with trucking laws and can help you achieve the highest settlement possible. It can take anything from three months to several years to settle a truck crash case.

Determining fault in these types of accidents can be difficult, and multiple parties may be liable for your damages. An experienced attorney can identify all responsible parties and pursue claims against each of them.

Damages

Due to the greater weight and size of a commercial truck compared to passengers accident involving 18-wheelers or other commercial trucks can result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. They also usually cause much more substantial destruction to vehicles and property. In this way, the amount of damages awarded in 18 wheeler accident settlements and jury awards are typically much higher than the damages of a normal motor vehicle crash.

Sometimes, several parties can be responsible for causing an 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are often the main reason for accidents, since they are negligent. The trucking company is employed by them could be held accountable if it fails to provide proper training or equipment for its drivers. Additionally, the trucking company can be held liable for encouraging or enticing their employees to violate the federal hour-of-service rules. In addition, the company that makes the truck or its components can be held liable if there is an auto defect which causes an accident.

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

Liability

Truck accident cases can be much more complex than car accident claims. There are many parties that can be held responsible for the accident, including the driver of the truck as well as the trucking company and 18 Wheeler accident the vehicle manufacturer. The trucking industry also offers incentives that can cause trucks to drive recklessly or even to skip sleep in order to make quick deliveries.

These factors can increase the time required to settle a claim for an accident. The injuries of the plaintiff also play a role in the length of time it will take to get compensation. For serious injuries, it is possible to receive more money in settlements than minor injuries.

The insurance company of the trucking company may also try to minimize its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. It is essential to get a truck crash lawyer as soon as you can. They will combat these intimidation tactics to get you the money you deserve.

In addition, other documents such as the bill of lading and black box data can aid in determining which party is liable for the truck crash. These documents may prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly. They can also be used to determine the extent of involvement by the trucking company in the crash. If the truck manufacturer was operating a defective vehicle, they may be responsible for the crash.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations determines the time limit in which you can file a lawsuit after a car accident. This period can vary by state and is contingent on the type of accident you've been involved in. You are given a general four-year window to file an injury claim and a two-year time frame to file a wrongful-death suit. An experienced lawyer will help you navigate the process and determine whether you have an outstanding case.

A personal injury lawyer will look over the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also look over medical records. They will also go through the logbooks of employees, driver logbooks and maintenance records in order to determine who is responsible for the accident. It can take a long time therefore it is important to begin this work as soon possible to preserve the evidence.

The trucking company, as well as their insurer will do everything they can to delay paying what you deserved. They may also attempt to minimize your injuries, or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they succeed, this can delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting more than a whole year for your settlement.

Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire until you settle your claim or brought 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, which can result in fatal injuries or even death. These incidents are a huge business for law firms that specialize in handling them. Settlements in 18-wheeler accident 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 up to several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it may take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.

To protect your rights it is crucial to get a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer available at the beginning of the process. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of compensation you deserve. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to pay your claim too fast and also that they offer an appropriate amount.

Attorneys typically work on a contingent fee. This means that they won't be paid until they are successful in the case. They typically receive about one-third of the final settlement or the court's award. They have to wait until the remainder of their money is received before they can pay their expenses and bills.