How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in a crash with an 18-wheeler you'll need an attorney who knows the law regarding trucking and can help you get the best possible settlement. A truck accident case can take anywhere between three months and two years to settle.
Determining fault in these accidents can be complicated, and multiple parties may be responsible for the damages. An experienced lawyer can identify all responsible parties and assert claims against each of them.
Damages
Accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks that are large can result in serious, life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a truck being much larger than a car for a passenger. These accidents are also more likely to cause significant damage to the property and vehicles. This is why the damages granted by juries and settlements in 18 wheeler accidents are often more than those that are awarded for a normal motor vehicle accident.
Many times, multiple parties are accountable for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are often the main cause of accidents because they are negligent. However, the trucking company they work for can be held responsible when they fail to adequately train their drivers or provide them with the proper equipment. The trucking company may also be held accountable if they encourage or rewards its drivers to break the federal laws regarding hours of service. The company that makes the truck, or its parts, can also be held responsible if an auto defect causes an accident.
Recognizing all parties responsible is vital to securing an honest and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18-wheelers will investigate your case in order to determine who is responsible for causing your crash and then be fully prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. In addition to seeking financial losses, your lawyer may also pursue other damages like suffering and pain.
Liability
Accidents involving trucks can be much more complex than car accident claims. Many parties could be held responsible for the incident, including the driver of the truck and the trucking company and the manufacturer of the vehicle. The trucking industry also provides incentives that could encourage trucks to speed recklessly or even skip sleep to make quick deliveries.
These factors can affect the amount of time it takes to settle a truck accident claim. The plaintiff's injuries also influence the time it takes to receive compensation. Injuries that are severe can result in greater settlement amounts than minor injuries.
Furthermore, the trucking company's insurance provider will try to minimize their liability by reducing the value of the claim. This is why it's important to engage an experienced truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. They will be able to fight these tactics of intimidation to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Additional documents, like the black box data as well as the bill of lading also help determine who is responsible for the accident on the truck. 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 any involvement of the trucking company in the crash. If the truck manufacturer had an unreliable vehicle, they may be responsible for the accident.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation determines the time period within which you can file a lawsuit after an accident in the car. The period of time varies according to the state and depends on the type of accident that you were involved in. You have a general four-year time frame to file a personal injury lawsuit and a two-year period to file a wrongful death suit. A seasoned attorney will help you navigate the process and determine if you have a 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 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 crucial to begin this work as soon as you can to ensure the integrity of evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to stop paying you what you deserve. They may also try and reduce or exaggerate the severity of the extent of your injuries. If they succeed it could delay settlement of your claim. You could wait for more than a full year to receive your settlement.
18 wheeler accident claim loveland will ensure that the statute of limitation doesn't expire until you settle your claim or brought the matter to court. Some circumstances can override the statute of limitation, such as when you are minor and suffer from an intellectual disability.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi truck accidents happen in the United States each year, leading to fatal injuries or even death. The law firms that specialize in these incidents earn a lot of money. Settlements in 18-wheeler accident cases can reach millions and even billions of dollars.
Due to the nature of trucking accidents it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation done to determine the liability and damages. The process can take several months to complete. In addition, if a case involves multiple parties, it may take longer for them to agree on liability and damages.
It is essential that a seasoned trucking accident attorney is onboard early on to ensure that your interests are protected. A lawyer can help you in determining the highest amount of compensation you're entitled. They can also make sure that the insurance company is not trying to resolve your claim too quickly and that they're offering an appropriate amount.
Attorneys typically work on a basis of contingent fees. They do not get paid until the case is won. They usually receive around one third of the final settlement or the court's award. As a result, they must wait for the rest of the money to be deposited before they can pay their bills and expenses.