How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in an accident with a 18-wheeler, you will require a lawyer who is well-versed in trucking laws and can help you obtain the best settlement possible. It can take between three months and several years to settle a truck crash case.
The process of determining fault in these types of accidents can be difficult, and multiple parties may be liable for your damages. An experienced attorney will be able to determine all parties liable and take legal action against them.
Damages
Because of the significantly greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to passengers, accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks of this size often cause severe, and even life-threatening injuries. They also usually cause much more substantial destruction to vehicles and property. In this way, the amount of damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are often significantly higher than those of the typical motor vehicle crash.
Sometimes, several parties are accountable for an 18-wheeler collision. Truck drivers are often the primary reason for accidents, since they are negligent. The trucking company they work for could also be held liable if it does not provide adequate training or equipment for its drivers. Additionally, the trucking firm could be held accountable for encouraging or enticing their drivers to overstep the federal hour-of-service rules. The company that makes the truck, or its parts, is also liable when an auto defect causes an accident.
It is important to identify all parties responsible for the accident in order to obtain a fair and comprehensive settlement. A skilled attorney for 18 wheelers will investigate your case in order to determine who is responsible for the crash. They will then be prepared to pursue compensation from each of the parties responsible. Attorneys can pursue non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.
Liability
The legal process for truck accidents is much more complex than car accident claims. Different parties could be held accountable for the incident, including the truck driver as well as the trucking firm and the vehicle manufacturer. The trucking industry has incentives that could cause trucks to be reckless and even skip sleep to complete deliveries quickly.
These factors can increase the time it takes to settle a truck crash claim. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff also influence how long it takes to receive compensation. Serious injuries can lead to greater settlement amounts than minor injuries.
Furthermore, the trucking company's insurance company will try to reduce their liability by reducing the value of the claim. This is why it is crucial to find a seasoned truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to fight these tactics to ensure that you receive the money you deserve.
Additional documents, such as the black box data as well as the bill of lading, could aid in determining who is at fault for the truck crash. These documents can show that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly, and they will also help determine whether the trucking company was involved in any involvement in the accident. The truck manufacturer could be liable for the accident when they made a mistake with their product.
18 wheeler accident lawyer west palm beach of limitations
The statute of limitations dictates how long you have to bring a lawsuit after a crash. The length of time can differ by state and is based on the kind of accident you were involved in. In general you will have up to four years to bring an action for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death suit. An experienced attorney will help you navigate the process and determine whether you have an outstanding case.
Your personal injury lawyer will investigate the site of your accident, speak with witnesses, and look over medical records, driver logbooks, employee files, and maintenance records to determine who was at fault for the crash. This can take a substantial amount of time and it is essential to begin this work as soon as you can in order to secure evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance provider will fight to not pay you the amount you deserved. They may also try and overstate or minimize the severity of your injuries. If they succeed this can delay the settling of your claim. If they succeed, you could be left waiting for a settlement for a full year following your accident.
Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitations will not run out until you settle your claim or brought the matter to court. Certain circumstances may be able to override the statute of limitation for instance, the case of an under-age person and suffer from an intellectual disability.
Timeline
In the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of semi truck accidents every year that cause debilitating injuries and death. These incidents are a huge business for law firms that specialize in handling them. The settlements made in 18 wheeler accidents have been in the millions of dollars, and often times, billions.
Due to the nature of trucking accidents a thorough investigation must be completed to determine the liability and damages. This process can take several months to complete. In addition, if a case involves multiple parties, it could take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.
To protect your interests it is crucial to have a seasoned trucking accident lawyer in your corner at the beginning of the process. A lawyer can assist you in determining the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company is not trying to settle your claim quickly and that they are offering a fair value.
Attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they don't get paid until they prevail in the case. They usually get around one-third of the final settlement or court award. They have to wait until the rest of their money is received before they can pay their bills and expenses.