10 Quick Tips On How Long Does 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take
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 a personal injury attorney that is familiar with the laws governing trucking and will assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible settlement. A truck accident case could be anywhere between three months to two years to settle.
Determining fault in these incidents can be a challenge and several parties could be responsible for the damages. An experienced lawyer can identify all parties liable and assert claims against each of them.
Damages
Because of the much greater weight and size of a commercial truck compared to the size of a car accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks that are large can cause severe, and even life-threatening injuries. These accidents can also cause much more substantial destruction to vehicles and property. As such, damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are typically substantially higher than those awarded in a normal motor vehicle crash.
Sometimes, several parties are accountable for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are typically the primary cause of accidents because they are liable. The trucking company they work for could be held accountable if the company fails to provide proper training or equipment for its drivers. The trucking company may also be liable if it encourages 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 that causes an accident.
Identifying all the liable parties is crucial to securing a full and fair settlement. An experienced 18-wheeler lawyer will investigate the case to determine which party is accountable for the accident and be ready to seek compensation from each party responsible. In addition to pursuing financial losses, your attorney may also pursue other damages like pain and suffering.
18 wheeler accident lawyer victorville can be much more complex than claims for car accidents. The truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the vehicle can all be held accountable for the consequences of an accident. The trucking industry also offers incentives that can cause trucks to drive recklessly, or even to sleep in order to speed up deliveries.
These factors can prolong the amount of time required to settle a truck crash claim. Personal injuries to the plaintiff can affect the time it takes to receive compensation. Serious injuries can lead to more money in settlements than minor injuries.
The insurance provider of the trucking firm will try to limit its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. It is essential to hire a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will take on these tactics to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Additional documents, like the black box's data and bill of lading, could aid in determining who is responsible for the accident on the truck. These documents may prove that the driver of the truck was reckless, and they will also help determine whether the trucking company had any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer had an unsafe vehicle it could be the one responsible for the crash.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations determines the period of time that you can start a lawsuit following an automobile accident. The time frame varies from state to state and is based on the type of accident you suffered. In general you will have up to four years to bring an injury claim and two years to file a wrongful death suit. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and determine if you're eligible for an opportunity to pursue a claim.
Your personal injury attorney will examine the accident scene, interview witnesses and review medical records. They will also examine driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who is responsible for the accident. This can take a substantial amount of time and it is important to start this process as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to avoid paying you what you deserve. They may also attempt to minimize your injuries, or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful they could delay the settlement of your claim. If they succeed, you could be left waiting for a settlement for more than a year following the crash.
Your lawyer can make sure that the statute of limitations will not run out until you have settled your dispute or taken it to court. 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 tens of thousands of semi-truck accidents each year that result in devastating injuries and deaths. The law firms that concentrate on these accidents earn lots of money. Settlements in 18-wheeler collision cases could be millions or billions of dollars.
An extensive 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 might take longer to reach an agreement on the amount of damages and liability.
To protect your rights it is crucial to have an experienced trucking accident lawyer on board early in the process. An attorney can help determine the amount of amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to resolve your claim too quickly and that they're offering the right amount.
Attorneys typically work on a contingent fee. They do not get paid until the case is won. They get about 1/3 of any final settlement or court decision. They must therefore wait until the rest of their funds arrive before they can settle their expenses and bills.