How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?

The time needed to settle a trucking accident case varies from case to case. The time frame for settlement could be affected by several factors.

For example, it can take time to establish who is liable for the accident. A lawyer can assist in identifying the parties responsible and maximize the settlement.

What to Expect

The time frame for settling of a 18-wheeler lawsuit is dependent on many factors, 18 Wheeler Accident including the amount of liability and damages. The case can be delayed if the parties involved in the collision are not able to reach an agreement on who is responsible. In addition, if there are any disagreements regarding witness testimony or evidence the process could take longer time to solve these issues.

Depending on the extent of the injuries, as well as the size of the trucking company's insurance policy and any existing federal or state regulations governing commercial vehicles settlement amounts can be wildly different. Remember that plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. This means they don't get paid until they succeed in winning a case or reach an agreement.

It's not too surprising that semi-truck accidents are a big business for attorneys. In this way, it's not uncommon to see settlements in these cases to be millions of dollars or more. This is especially true when the trucking firm has been considered to be negligent.

Liability

Each year, there are more than 100,000 accidents involving 18 wheelers across the United States. Many of these crashes result in serious injuries or even death. In many cases, insurance companies lowball the victims of these accidents by offering settlement offers that do not reflect the extent of their injuries and the damages. However, a skilled 18 wheeler accident attorney can even the playing field and negotiate with these massive insurance companies in order to obtain their clients the maximum settlements.

The defendants in a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler could be held accountable for a variety of damages including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages could include medical bills, lost wages or future earnings. Non-economic damages can include suffering and pain and emotional distress, disfigurement and a diminished quality of life.

Plaintiff attorneys who litigate in 18 wheeler accident lawsuits wheeler cases are compensated on a contingent basis. This means that they do not get paid until their case is settled and they settle with their client. They are required to pay court costs, hire experts, other specialists, travel and other expenses associated in winning the case.

Damages

18-wheeler accidents can result in serious injuries, especially when they occur at high speeds. Due to the weight and size of these trucks, the impact can be even more devastating than a typical motor vehicle crash. The damages can also be more severe.

In addition to the physical and medical damage that can result from an 18-wheeler accident victims may also be eligible for compensation for lost income and the grief caused by the loss of a loved one. If you've suffered losses as a result of a semi-truck accident, a personal injury attorney can help you determine all of the compensation that you are entitled to receive.

Litigation can be expensive. Attorneys representing plaintiffs have to pay for travel, depositions expert witnesses and court costs. They must get the money of their clients as quickly as possible. There are a variety of ways that plaintiffs can receive their money faster after a settlement. These are known as post settlement advances or lawsuit loans. These are a great option for those who have suffered injuries and need to cover their expenses while waiting for their settlement.

Timeline

A variety of factors affect the length of time it takes to settle a case involving the truck. The severity of your injuries is the primary factor. It is important to wait until you've reached maximum medical improvement before settling. This is due to the fact that you may be in a position to claim future losses such as lost wages or a diminished quality of life, and your attorney will need evidence to support these claims.

A dispute between the parties regarding the liability or damages could delay the settlement process. This is often the case when there multiple insurance companies involved or if the parties are arguing over the who was responsible for the accident.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you determine if the insurance company offers you an amount that is fair and if it will pay for future and current damages. If the insurance company refuses to compromise, it could be necessary to file a suit, which could extend the timeline for the case. In some cases the case could take longer than a full year to resolve.

Settlement

There are a few things that can cause the longest time to settle a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler. The extent of the injuries and insurance considerations are two factors that can affect the timeline. It could also take time for your doctor's report to identify permanent impairments that could affect your future losses. It is crucial to never settle your claim in a hurry, as it may leave you without the money you'll need to recuperate your full range of damages.

Plaintiff attorneys who take on 18-wheeler accidents are paid on a contingency basis and do not get paid unless they prevail or reach an agreement. This means they have to pay for their own money to cover court costs, travel, and expert witness costs all throughout the case.

As you can imagine, this can add up to quite a large amount. Many 18 wheeler plaintiff attorneys make use of post-settlement advances (also known as lawsuit loans or settlement cash advances) to offset their legal expenses out of pocket to be able to collect the money they are owed sooner.