How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you are involved in an accident with an
18 wheeler accident-wheeler, then you'll need a personal attorney who is familiar with trucking laws and can help you achieve the highest settlement possible. It could take anywhere from three months to several years to settle a truck crash case.
The process of determining fault in these accidents can be complicated and a variety of parties could be responsible for the damages. A skilled attorney can identify the parties responsible and take legal action against them.
Damages
Due to the greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to an automobile accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks can result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. They also tend to result in more severe destruction to vehicles and property. As such, damages paid out in 18 wheeler crash settlements and jury awards are often significantly greater than those in the typical motor vehicle crash.
Sometimes, several parties are responsible for an 18-wheeler collision. It could be the driver of the truck who's negligence is typically the main cause of these accidents. The trucking company they work for may also be held accountable if the company fails to provide proper training or equipment to its drivers. In addition, the trucking company can be held accountable when they encourage or reward their drivers to go over the federal requirements for hours of service. The truck's manufacturer or its components can also be held responsible in the event that an auto defect leads to an accident.
It is vital to identify all parties responsible for the accident in order to secure an honest and complete settlement. A knowledgeable attorney for
18 wheeler accident lawsuit-wheelers will investigate the incident to determine which party is responsible for your accident and will be prepared to seek compensation from each responsible party.
Attorneys can pursue non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.
Liability
Accidents involving trucks can be more complicated than claims for car accidents. There are many parties that can be held accountable for the incident, including the driver of the truck and the trucking company and the vehicle manufacturer. The trucking industry also provides incentives that can cause trucks to drive recklessly or even skip sleep in order to make deliveries quickly.
These elements can influence the time required to settle a lawsuit. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff also influence the time it takes to receive compensation. In the case of severe injuries, they often result in larger settlement amounts in comparison to minor injuries that may only result in a lower settlement.
Moreover, the trucking company's insurance provider will try to limit their liability by reducing the amount of the claim. It is essential to get a truck crash lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to counter these intimidating tactics to ensure that they get you the compensation you deserve.
Additional documents such as the bill of lading or black box data can be used to determine which party is liable for the truck accident. These documents may prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly. They can also be used to determine if there was any involvement of the trucking company involved in the accident. If the truck manufacturer manufactured a defective vehicle or a defective vehicle, they could be accountable for the accident.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation sets the time frame within which you are able to bring a lawsuit following a car accident. This timeframe varies from state to state and is dependent on the kind of accident you were involved in. In general you will have up to four years to bring an injury claim for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the process and determine whether you have a case.
Your personal injury lawyer will examine the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and scrutinize medical records, driver logbooks, maintenance and employee records to find out who was at fault for the crash. This may take a while, so it's important to begin this work immediately to safeguard 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 attempt to minimize your injuries, or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful, this can delay the settlement of your claim. You could wait more than a whole year to receive your settlement.
Your lawyer will be able to make sure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire before you're allowed to settle your claim or take it to trial. Certain circumstances may extend the statute of limitation like if you are an under-age person 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 concentrate on these accidents earn lots of money. Settlements for 18-wheeler accident cases can reach millions and even billions of dollars.
Due to the nature of trucking accidents an exhaustive investigation has to be conducted in order to properly determine liability and damages. This process can take several months. Furthermore, if the matter involves several parties, it might take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.
It is essential that a seasoned trucking accident attorney is onboard at the beginning of the process to ensure that your best interests are safeguarded. An attorney can help you determine the 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 an appropriate amount.
Attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis. They are not paid unless the case is won. They usually receive around one third of the final settlement or court award. They must therefore wait until the rest of their funds arrive before they can settle their bills and expenses.