How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?

The time required to settle a truck crash case varies from one case to the next. The timeline for settlement can be affected by a variety of factors.

It can take a long time to determine who is accountable for an accident. An attorney can help determine all the parties responsible and maximize the amount you receive.

What to Expect

The timeline for a settlement in a case involving an 18-wheeler is contingent on a variety of factors, including the possibility of liability and damages. If the participants in the crash are not able to reach an agreement about their respective faults, this could delay the trial. Additionally, if there are any disagreements regarding evidence or witness testimony, it may take more time to resolve these issues.

Depending on the extent of the injuries, the scope of the insurance policy of the trucking company and the existing state or federal regulations governing commercial vehicles settlement amounts can be wildly different. Remember that plaintiff lawyers are paid on the basis of a contingency. This means that they do not get paid until they win a case or reach a settlement.

It's not a surprise that semi-truck accidents are a major source of revenue for attorneys. It's unusual to see settlements in these cases to reach millions of dollars or more. This is especially true if the trucking company is found to be negligent.

Liability

Each year, there are nearly 100,000 accidents involving 18 wheelers across the United States. A lot of these accidents result in serious injuries or even death. Insurance companies often underestimate the injuries and 18 wheeler accident damages suffered by victims in these accidents. However, a good 18 wheeler accident attorney can even the playing field and negotiate with these large insurance companies to get their clients the highest settlements.

The defendants in a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler could be held responsible for a variety of damages, including non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages and future earnings. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and emotional distress, disfigurement, and diminished quality of life.

Plaintiff attorneys who litigate in 18 wheeler cases are compensated on a contingency basis. This means that they don't get paid until their case is settled and they agree to a settlement with their client. They must pay court fees and hire experts, as well as other specialists, travel and other expenses associated with winning the case.

Damages

18 wheeler accidents can lead to severe injuries, especially when they're high-speed crashes. Due to the size and weight of these trucks, the impact can be even more severe than a typical motor vehicle crash. This means that the damage could be more severe as well.

In addition to the property and medical damage that may result from an 18-wheeler crash, victims can also receive compensation for lost wages and the grief caused by the loss of a loved one. If you've suffered losses from a semi truck accident, a personal injury attorney can help you determine all of the compensation that you are entitled to receive.

The cost of litigation can be high. Attorneys representing plaintiffs have to pay for things like travel, take depositions, hire experts as witnesses, and pay costs for court, so they must get their clients' funds as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are ways for plaintiffs to get their money faster following the settlement. These are referred to as post settlement advances or lawsuit loans. These are a great way for injured parties to cover expenses while they wait on their settlement.

Timeline

There are a myriad of factors that influence how long it takes to settle a truck accident case. The severity of your injuries is an important factor. It is important to wait until you've achieved your maximum medical improvement before making a decision to settle. You could be eligible for future losses, like lost wages or diminished quality of living. Your lawyer will have to provide evidence to back your claims.

Another reason that can delay the process of settlement is a dispute between parties over the liability of damages or liability. This can happen when there multiple insurance companies involved or when the parties disagree on who was at fault for the incident.

A skilled truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining if the insurance company is offering an appropriate amount to settle your case and whether or not it will pay for all of your current and future losses. If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit that could extend the time frame for the case. In certain instances, the case could take more than a year for the resolution.

Settlement

There are several things that can dramatically extend the time it takes for an 18 wheeler lawsuit to settle. The severity of the injuries and insurance considerations are two aspects that can impact the timeline. It can also take time for your doctor to document of permanent impairments that could affect your future losses. It is crucial to never settle your claim too early, as it could result in you not receiving the funds you'll need to cover your full range of damage.

Attorneys who represent plaintiffs in 18 wheeler-related accidents work on contingency fees and don't get paid until they are successful or reach an agreement. They are responsible for court costs and travel expenses as well as expert witness fees during the course of the case.

As you can imagine, this can add up quite a bit. Many 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler plaintiff attorneys make use of settlement cash advances or lawsuit loans to pay for their out-of pocket legal expenses. This lets them get their money earlier.