How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in a crash involving an 18 wheeler you'll need an attorney who understands trucking law and can help you obtain the highest possible settlement. A truck accident case can be anywhere between three months and two years to settle.
Multiple parties may be responsible for the damages you suffer. Finding out who is at fault in these accidents is complicated. An experienced attorney will be able identify all responsible parties and take legal action against them.
Damages
Because of the much greater weight and size of a truck versus passengers accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks of this size often cause severe, and even life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to result in significant destruction to property and vehicles. The damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are typically substantially higher than those awarded in the typical motor vehicle crash.
Often, several parties may be responsible for the cause of an 18-wheeler accident. This could include the driver of the truck who's negligence is often the main cause of these accidents. The trucking company that they work for could be held liable if it is unable to provide the proper training or equipment for their drivers. The trucking firm could be held accountable if it encourages or rewards their drivers to break the federal rules regarding hours of service. Finally, the manufacturer of the truck or its components can be held responsible when there is an auto defect which causes an accident.
Recognizing all parties responsible is essential to ensure the most fair and comprehensive settlement. 18 wheeler accident lawyer inglewood -wheeler lawyer will review the case to determine who is responsible for your accident and be ready to seek compensation from each responsible party. In addition to seeking financial losses, your lawyer can also pursue damages not monetary like pain and suffering.
Liability
Truck accident cases are more complex than normal car accident claims. Many parties could be held accountable for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, the trucking industry has incentives that can cause trucks to drive recklessly and even sleepless to make deliveries quickly.
These factors can affect the time it takes to settle a truck crash claim. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff also affect how long it takes to receive compensation. Serious injuries can lead to more money in settlements than minor injuries.
The insurance provider of the trucking company may also try to limit its liability by reducing the value of the claim. This is why it's important to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. They will be able to counter these intimidating tactics to ensure that they get you the compensation you deserve.
Additional documents, such as 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 show that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly. They can also be used to determine the extent of involvement by the trucking company involved in the accident. The manufacturer of the truck could also be held accountable for the accident when they made a mistake with their product.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation determines the period of time that you can file a lawsuit after an auto accident. The period of time varies according to the state and depends on the type of accident you were involved in. You have a general four-year time frame to file an injury claim, and a two-year window to file a wrongful deaths suit. A knowledgeable attorney will assist you through the process and determine if you're eligible for a case.
Your personal injury attorney will investigate the scene of the accident, interview witnesses and review medical records. They will also review the logbooks of employees, driver logbooks and maintenance records in order to determine who was responsible for the accident. This could take a significant amount of time, so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
The trucking company, and their insurance company, will do everything they can to stop paying what you deserve. They might also try to downplay your injuries or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful it could delay settlement of your claim. You could be waiting for more than a full year for your settlement.
Your lawyer will be able to make sure that the statute of limitations will not expire before you're allowed to settle your claim or go to trial. Some circumstances can override the statute of limitations in certain situations, for example, the case of an under-age person and suffer from a mental impairment.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi truck accidents happen in the United States each year, causing debilitating injuries or death. These incidents are a huge business for law firms that specialize in handling these. Settlements in 18 wheeler accident cases have been in the millions of dollars, and often, billions of dollars.
An exhaustive investigation is necessary due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. The process can take several months to be completed. If there are multiple parties involved, it may take longer to reach an agreement on liability and damages.
It is crucial that a knowledgeable trucking accident attorney is onboard early on to ensure that your interests are being protected. A lawyer can help you in determining the best amount of compensation you deserve. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to settle your claim too quickly and they are providing the right amount.
Attorneys typically are paid on a contingency basis. They are not paid unless the case is won. They generally receive around a third of the final settlement or court award. In the end, they have to wait for the rest of the money to come in before they can pay their bills and expenses.