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 require a lawyer who is familiar with trucking laws and can help you obtain the best settlement possible. It could take up to three months or a couple of years to settle a truck crash case.

Determining who is at fault in these kinds of accidents can be challenging, and multiple parties may be responsible for your losses. An experienced attorney can identify all parties liable and make claims against each one of them.

Damages

Due to the higher weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to an automobile, accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks of this size often result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to cause substantial damage to vehicles and property. Therefore, the damages awarded in 18 wheeler accident settlements and jury awards tend to be significantly higher than those of a normal motor vehicle crash.

In many cases, multiple parties are accountable for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are typically the main reason for accidents, since they are negligent. However, the trucking company they work for could be held responsible if they fail to properly educate their drivers or provide them with appropriate equipment. The trucking firm could be held accountable if they encourage or rewards their drivers to violate the federal laws regarding hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck or its components could also be held accountable if an auto defect causes an accident.

The identification of all responsible parties is vital to securing a full and fair settlement. A competent attorney for Polson 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer-wheelers will investigate the case to determine which party is accountable for the accident and be ready to seek compensation from each party responsible. Your lawyer can pursue non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain in addition to financial losses.

Liability

Truck accident cases can be more complicated than car accident claims. There are many parties that can be held responsible for the accident, including the truck driver as well as the trucking firm and the car manufacturer. Furthermore, the industry of trucking has incentives that could cause trucks to speed recklessly and even sleepless to complete deliveries on time.

These factors can increase the time required to settle a truck accident claim. Personal injuries to the plaintiff can impact the length of time it takes to get compensation. Serious injuries can lead to more money in settlements than minor injuries.

The insurance company of the trucking firm will attempt to minimize its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. Therefore, it is important to find a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will fight against these tactics of intimidation to ensure that you receive the money you deserve.

Additional documents like the bill of lading as well as black box data can aid in determining which party is liable for the truck crash. These documents could indicate that the driver of the truck was reckless in his driving. They can also be used to determine the extent of involvement by the trucking company involved in the accident. If the truck manufacturer manufactured an unreliable vehicle, they may be responsible for the crash.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations defines the length of time you must file a lawsuit for an accident. The time frame varies from state to state and is contingent on the type of accident that you were involved in. In general you have four years to bring an injury claim and two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. An experienced attorney will help you navigate the process and determine whether you have a case.

A personal injury lawyer will investigate the scene of the accident and interview witnesses, as well as review medical records. They will also review driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who was at fault. This may take a while, so it's important to begin this process immediately to safeguard the evidence.

The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to deny you what you deserve. They might also try to exaggerate or minimize your injuries. If they are successful, this can delay the settlement of your claim. You could wait for more than a full year for your settlement.

Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire until you settle your claim or brought the matter to court. There are certain circumstances that could extend the time limit, for example the fact that you are a minor or suffer from mental impairment.

Timeline

In the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of semi-truck accidents each year that cause severe injuries and death. Law firms that focus in these incidents earn a lot of money. Settlements in palm springs 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler accident cases can be in the millions or billions of dollars.

A thorough investigation is essential due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. This process can take a few months to be completed. In addition, if the case involves several parties, it might take longer for them to agree on the liability and damages.

To protect your interests, it's crucial to have a skilled trucking accident lawyer on your side early in the process. A lawyer can help you determine the highest amount of compensation you deserve. They can also ensure that the insurance company is not trying to resolve your claim too quickly and that they are offering an amount that is fair.

Lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. They are not paid until the case is won. They usually receive around one third of the final settlement or the court's award. They must therefore wait until the rest of their funds arrive before they can settle their expenses and bills.