“Ask Me Anything”: Ten Answers To Your Questions About How Long Does 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take

How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit? If you're involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler it is essential to hire an injury lawyer who knows the law regarding trucking and can help you get the best possible settlement. It could take anything from three months to several years to settle a truck accident case. Determining fault in these kinds of accidents can be challenging, and multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. An experienced attorney will be able identify all parties liable and pursue claims against them. Damages Because of the significantly greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to an automobile, accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks of this size often cause severe, and even life-threatening injuries. These accidents can also cause more extensive destruction to vehicles and property. As such, damages awarded in 18 wheeler accident settlements and jury awards tend to be substantially higher than those awarded in an ordinary motor vehicle crash. Sometimes, several parties can be at fault for an 18-wheeler collision. Truck drivers are typically the main cause of accidents, as they are liable. However, the trucking company they work for can be held accountable in the event that they fail to properly educate their drivers or provide them with appropriate equipment. The trucking company may also be liable if they encourage or rewards their drivers to violate the federal rules regarding hours of service. In addition, the company that makes the truck or its parts can be held responsible when there is an auto defect which causes an accident. It is important to identify the parties responsible for the accident in order to get a fair and full settlement. A knowledgeable attorney for 18-wheelers will review the case to determine which party is accountable for your accident and be prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. Your lawyer can seek damages that are not economic, such as pain and discomfort in addition to financial losses. Liability Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car accident claims. The truck driver, trucking company and vehicle manufacturer could all be held accountable for an accident. The trucking industry has incentives that may encourage trucks to drive recklessly, or even to sleep in order in order to make deliveries quickly. These factors can impact the time required to settle a claim for an accident. The injury of the plaintiff can influence the time it takes to receive compensation. Severe injuries often lead to higher settlements, as opposed to minor injuries that might result in a smaller settlement. 18 wheeler accident law firm apple valley of the trucking company may also try to minimize its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it is important to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. They will fight these intimidation tactics to ensure that they get you the compensation you deserve. In addition, other documents like the bill of lading or black box data can be used to determine who is accountable for the truck crash. These documents can show that the truck driver was driving recklessly and also help determine whether the trucking firm had any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer manufactured a defective vehicle, they may be responsible for the accident. Statute of limitations The statute of limitation determines the time frame you must start a lawsuit in the event of a crash. The statute of limitations varies state-to-state and is based on the type of accident you were in. There is a four-year period for filing a personal injury suit and a two year timeframe to file a wrongful-death suit. An experienced lawyer will assist you through the process and determine if you have any claims. Your personal injury lawyer will look over the area of the accident, speak with witnesses, and scrutinize medical records, driver logbooks, maintenance and employee records to find out who was responsible for the accident. It can take a long time so it's essential to begin this work as soon possible to preserve the evidence. The trucking company, and their insurance company will do all they can to avoid paying you what you deserve. They may also try and overstate or minimize 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 year for your settlement. Your lawyer will be able to make sure that the time limit does not expire before you are able to settle your claim or bring it to trial. There are some circumstances that may be able to override the statute of limitations, for instance the fact that you are a minor or have a mental handicap. Timeline In the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of semi-truck accidents every year that result in debilitating injuries and death. These incidents are big business for law firms who specialize in handling them. Settlements reached in 18 wheeler accident cases have been in the millions of dollars and often, billions. Due to the nature of trucking accidents, an exhaustive investigation has to be done to determine the extent of liability and damages. This procedure can take several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it can take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability. To protect your rights It is essential to have an experienced trucking accident lawyer in your corner at the beginning of the process. An attorney can help you determine the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company is not trying to settle your claim too quickly and that they're offering the right amount. Attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis. They do not get paid until the case is won. They generally receive around a third of the final settlement or the court's award. They must therefore wait until the remainder of their money arrives before they can settle their bills and expenses.