How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you've been involved in a crash involving an 18 wheeler it is essential to hire a personal injury attorney that knows the law regarding trucking and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible settlement. It could take up to three months or several years to settle a truck crash case.
Determining fault in these incidents can be a challenge, and multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. An experienced lawyer will be able to identify all parties liable and take legal action against them.
Damages
Because of the much greater weight and size of a truck versus an automobile, accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks that are large can result in severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents can also result in more severe destruction to vehicles and property. As such, damages paid out in 18 wheeler crash settlements and jury awards are often significantly higher than those of a normal motor vehicle crash.
In most cases, multiple parties could be at fault for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are typically the main cause of accidents, as they are liable. However, the company they work for could be held responsible when they fail to adequately educate their drivers or provide them with appropriate equipment. The trucking firm could be held accountable if it encourages or rewards their drivers to break federal regulations regarding hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck, or its parts, could also be held accountable if an auto defect causes an accident.
The identification of all responsible parties is essential to ensure a full and fair settlement. A skilled 18-wheeler lawyer will examine the case to determine who is accountable for the accident and be prepared to pursue compensation from each responsible party. In addition to pursuing financial losses, your attorney may also pursue damages that are not economic, such as pain and suffering.
Liability
Truck accident cases can be much more complex than car accident claims. There are many parties that can be held accountable for the accident, which includes the truck driver and the trucking company and the vehicle manufacturer. The trucking industry also has incentives which can encourage trucks to drive recklessly or even skip sleep to speed up deliveries.
These factors can affect the time required to settle an accident claim. Injuries to the plaintiff can affect the time it takes to receive compensation. The most severe injuries usually result in greater settlements in comparison to minor injuries that might result in a smaller settlement.
The insurance company of the trucking company will also attempt to reduce its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. It is essential to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. They will fight back against these tactics of intimidation to ensure that you get the settlement you are entitled to.
Additional documents, like 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 could prove that the truck driver was reckless and also help determine whether the trucking company was involved in any involvement in the crash. If the truck manufacturer had a defective vehicle, they may be responsible for the crash.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation determines the time frame you must file a lawsuit for an accident. This timeframe varies from state to state and is contingent on the type of accident you've been involved in. In general you will have up to four years to bring an injury claim for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A seasoned attorney can guide you through the process and determine if there is a claim.
Your personal injury lawyer will review the area of the accident, talk to witnesses, and look over medical records, driver logbooks maintenance and employee records to determine who was responsible for the accident. 18 wheeler accident case mississippi can take a long time, so it's important to start this process promptly to protect the evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance provider will fight to deny you what you deserve. They might also attempt to minimize your injuries, or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful this can delay the settlement of your claim, and you could be waiting for a settlement for over a year after the accident.
Your lawyer can make sure that the statute of limitation is not triggered until you have settled your claim or taken the matter to court. There are some circumstances that may be able to override the statute of limitations, such as 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 cause debilitating injuries and death. These accidents are a major business for the law firms who specialize in handling them. The settlements reached in 18 wheeler accidents have been in the millions of dollars, and often times, billions.
A thorough investigation is essential due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. This process can take a few months to be completed. In addition, if a case involves several parties, it might take longer to reach an agreement on liability and damages.
To safeguard your interests It is essential to have a seasoned trucking accident lawyer in your corner early in the process. An attorney can help you determine the highest amount of amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to pay your claim too fast and that they are offering an appropriate amount.
Attorneys typically work on a basis of contingent fees. This means that they won't be paid until they succeed in winning the case. They generally receive around a third of the final settlement or the court's award. They have to wait until the rest of their money is received before they can pay for their expenses and bills.