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 knowledgeable of trucking laws and can help you find the best settlement. A truck accident case could take anywhere between three months and two years to settle.

Multiple parties may be responsible for your losses. Determining the fault in these types of accidents can be a challenge. A knowledgeable attorney can determine all parties liable and assert claims against each of them.

Damages

Due to the greater weight and size of a truck versus a passenger vehicle accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks can result in serious, 18 wheeler Accidents and sometimes life-threatening injuries. They also tend to cause much more substantial destruction to vehicles and property. As such, damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are typically significantly greater than those in a typical motor vehicle accident.

Often, several parties may be responsible for causing an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are usually the primary driver of accidents since they are liable. However, the company they work for can be held liable as well if they fail to properly train their drivers or provide them with adequate equipment. The trucking company may also be held accountable if it encourages or rewards its drivers to violate the federal rules regarding hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck, or its parts, can also be held responsible if an auto defect causes an accident.

Recognizing all parties responsible is essential to ensure the most fair and comprehensive settlement. A skilled 18 wheeler accidents wheeler lawyer will review your case to determine who is accountable for your crash and then be fully prepared to seek the compensation of each party responsible. Your lawyer may pursue non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain in addition to financial losses.

Liability

Accidents involving trucks can be much more complex than car accident claims. Many parties could be held responsible for the occurrence, including the driver of the truck and the trucking company and the manufacturer of the vehicle. The trucking industry also provides incentives that may encourage trucks to be reckless and even to skip sleep in order to speed up deliveries.

These factors can affect the time required to settle a truck accident claim. Injury to the plaintiff may also affect how long it takes to get compensation. The severity of injuries can result in more money in settlements than minor injuries.

Additionally, the trucking company's insurance provider will attempt to limit their liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it's important to engage an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to fight these intimidation tactics to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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 show that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly. They can also be used to determine whether there was any involvement of the trucking company in the incident. If the truck manufacturer was operating a vehicle that was defective or a defective vehicle, they could be accountable for the accident.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitation determines the period of time that you can make a claim after an automobile accident. The time frame varies by state and is based on the type accident you were involved in. In general there are four years to file an injury claim and two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. An experienced attorney will assist you through the process and determine if you have an outstanding case.

Your personal injury lawyer will investigate the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also look over medical records. They will also look over driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who is at fault. It can take a long time therefore it is important to begin this process as soon possible to preserve 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 try to minimize your injuries or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they succeed this can delay the settling of your claim. Ultimately, you could be waiting for a settlement for over a year following your accident.

Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitations is not triggered until you have settled your dispute or brought it to court. There are certain situations that may be able to override the statute of limitations, including the fact that you are a minor or suffer from a mental handicap.

Timeline

In the United States, there are tens of thousands of semi truck accidents every year that result in devastating injuries and deaths. The law firms that specialize in these cases earn an enormous amount of money. Settlements for 18-wheeler accident cases can reach millions and billions of dollars.

Due to the nature of trucking accidents, a thorough investigation must be conducted in order to properly determine the liability and damages. This process could take several months to be completed. If there are multiple parties involved, it could take longer to reach an agreement on the amount of damages and liability.

To safeguard your rights It is essential to have an experienced trucking accident lawyer in your corner at the beginning of the process. An attorney can assist in determining the best amount of compensation that you are entitled to. They can also make sure that the insurance company isn't trying to settle your claim quickly and also that they offer a fair value.

Attorneys typically operate on a contingent fee. This means that they aren't paid unless they win the case. They usually receive around 1/3 of the final settlement or court award. They have to wait until the remainder of their money arrives before they can pay for their expenses and bills.