How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you are involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, then you'll need a personal attorney who is familiar with trucking laws and can help you obtain the best settlement possible. It can take anything from three months to several years to settle a truck crash case.
Multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. The process of determining who is responsible for these cases is a difficult. An experienced lawyer will be able identify all parties liable and seek to pursue claims against them.
Damages
Due to the higher weight and size of a truck versus an automobile, accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can cause severe, and even life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to cause significant destruction to property and vehicles. As such, damages given in 18-wheeler accident settlements and jury awards are typically significantly higher than those of an ordinary motor vehicle crash.
Often, several parties may be responsible for the cause of an 18-wheeler accident. It could be the driver of the truck who's negligence is often the primary cause of these accidents. The trucking company they work for could be held liable if it does not provide adequate training or equipment for its drivers. Furthermore, the company that operates the truck can be held liable for incentivizing or encouraging their drivers to overstep the federal regulations on hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck or its components is liable in the event of an auto defect which causes an accident.
The identification of all responsible parties is essential to ensure an honest and complete settlement. 18 wheeler accident lawyer lorain will investigate your case to determine who is accountable for your crash and then be prepared to pursue the compensation of each party responsible. Attorneys can seek non-economic damages like pain and discomfort in addition to financial losses.
Liability
Truck accident cases can be much more complex than claims for car accidents. The truck driver, trucking company and vehicle manufacturer could all be held responsible for the consequences of an accident. The trucking industry has incentives that can lead trucks to be reckless and even sleepless to make deliveries quickly.
These factors can increase the amount of time it takes to settle a truck accident claim. The injuries of the plaintiff also play a role in how long it will take to get compensation. In the case of severe injuries, they often result in larger settlement amounts in comparison to minor injuries that could result in a smaller settlement.
The insurance provider of the trucking company will try to limit its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it is important to engage an experienced truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. They will combat these intimidation tactics to get you the compensation you deserve.
Additional documents, such as the black box data as well as the bill of lading can also help determine who is responsible for the accident on the truck. These documents may prove that the truck driver was driving recklessly, and they will also aid in determining if the trucking company had any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer manufactured a defective vehicle and was responsible for the accident.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation determines the time period within which you are able to bring a lawsuit following a car accident. This period can vary by state and is dependent on the type of accident you were involved in. There is a four-year time frame to file a personal injury suit and a two year timeframe to file a wrongful death suit. An experienced attorney can help you navigate through the process and determine if you're eligible for any claims.
Your personal injury lawyer will review the scene of your accident, interview witnesses, and examine medical records, driver logbooks, maintenance and employee records to determine who was responsible for the accident. This could take a significant amount of time, and it is important to start this process as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence.
The trucking company, as well as their insurance company will do everything they can to stop paying what you deserve. They may also attempt to minimize or exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they succeed they could delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting for more than a full year for your settlement.
Your lawyer will make sure that the time limit does not expire before you're allowed to settle your claim or take it to trial. Certain circumstances may be able to override the statute of limitations in certain situations, for example, the case of an under-age person and suffer from mental disabilities.
Timeline
In the United States, there are tens of thousands of semi truck accidents each year that result in severe injuries and death. The law firms that specialize on these accidents earn lots of money. Settlements in 18 wheeler accidents have been in the millions of dollars, and oftentimes even billions.
A thorough investigation is required due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. This process can take several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it could take longer to reach an agreement on liability and damages.
To protect your rights it is vital to have a skilled trucking accident lawyer on board at the beginning of the process. A lawyer can assist you in determining the best amount of compensation that you are entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company is not trying to resolve your claim too quickly and they are providing the right amount.
Attorneys typically work on a contingency basis. They are not paid until the case is won. They generally receive around one-third of the final settlement or the court's award. Therefore, they have to wait for the rest of the money to be deposited before they can pay their bills and expenses.