How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you are involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you'll need a personal attorney who is familiar with trucking laws and can assist you to get the most favorable settlement. A truck accident case can take anywhere between three months to two years to settle.
Finding out who is responsible for these incidents can be a challenge and several parties could be responsible for your losses. An experienced lawyer will be able to determine the parties responsible and take legal action against them.
Damages
Accidents involving 18-wheelers or other commercial trucks that are large can result in serious, life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a truck being much more than a typical passenger car. These accidents are also more likely to cause substantial damage to the property and vehicles. The damages awarded in 18 wheeler accident settlements and jury awards are typically significantly higher than those of a typical motor vehicle accident.
Often, several parties may be at fault for an 18-wheeler crash. Truck drivers are typically the main driver of accidents since they are negligent. The trucking company that they work for could also be held accountable if the company does not provide proper training or equipment for its drivers. Additionally, the trucking firm can be held accountable if they encourage or incentivize their drivers to overstep the federal regulations on hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be held accountable if there is an auto defect which causes an accident.
The identification of all responsible parties is essential to secure the most fair and comprehensive settlement. An experienced 18-wheeler lawyer will review the case to determine who is responsible for your accident and be ready to seek compensation from each party responsible. In addition to pursuing financial losses, your attorney can also pursue non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Liability
The legal process for truck accidents is more complicated than car accident claims. The truck driver, the trucking company and vehicle manufacturer could all be held accountable for the consequences of an accident. Furthermore, the industry of trucking has incentives that could cause trucks to be reckless in their driving and even sleepless to deliver deliveries on time.
These factors can affect the amount of time needed to settle a truck crash claim. Injuries to the plaintiff can influence how long it takes to receive compensation. The severity of injuries can result in more money in settlements than minor injuries.
The insurance provider of the trucking firm will try to minimize its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. It is therefore important to get a truck crash lawyer immediately. They will combat these intimidation tactics to secure you the justice you deserve.
Furthermore, supplementary documents like the bill of lading or black box data can be used to determine the party responsible for the truck accident. These documents could prove that the truck driver was driving recklessly, and they will also help determine whether the trucking company was involved in any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer had an unsafe vehicle and was responsible for the accident.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations determines how long you can start a lawsuit in the event of a crash. The length of time can differ by state and is dependent on the type accident you were involved in. There is a four-year period to file an injury lawsuit and a two year timeframe for filing a wrongful death suit. An experienced lawyer will assist you through the process and determine whether you have an action.
18 wheeler accident law firm pomona will examine the accident scene and interview witnesses. They will also review medical records. They will also go through driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records in order to determine who is at fault. This can take a considerable amount of time and it is crucial to begin the process as soon as you can to ensure the integrity of evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to avoid paying you what you deserve. They might also try to reduce or exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful it could delay settlement of your claim. You could wait longer than a year for your settlement.
Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitations will not run out until you have settled your claim or brought it to court. Certain circumstances may override the statute of limitation for instance, when you are an under-age person and suffer from a mental impairment.
Timeline
In the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of semi-truck accidents each year that result in fatal injuries and even death. The law firms that specialize in these incidents earn lots of money. Settlements reached in 18 wheeler accidents 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 liability and damages. This process can take several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it may take longer to reach an agreement on the liability and damages.
It is essential that a seasoned trucking accident lawyer is involved early on to ensure that your interests are being safeguarded. A lawyer can assist you with determining the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled. They can also make sure that the insurance company isn't trying to settle your claim too quickly and that they are offering an appropriate amount.
Attorneys usually work on a contingent fee. They do not get paid until the case is won. They receive about one-third of any final settlement or court award. They have to wait until the rest of their money is received before they can pay their expenses and bills.