How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you've been involved in a collision with an 18 wheeler you'll need a personal injury attorney that is familiar with the laws governing trucking and will help you obtain the highest possible settlement. A truck accident case could take anywhere from three months and two years to settle.
Many parties could be accountable for your injuries. Finding out who was at fault for these cases is a difficult. A skilled attorney will be able to determine all liable parties and take legal action against them.
Damages
Accidents involving 18-wheelers or commercial trucks that are large can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a truck being much greater than a passenger car. They also tend to cause much more substantial destruction to vehicles and property. In this way, the amount of damages paid out in 18 wheeler crash settlements and jury awards are usually substantially higher than those awarded in a typical motor vehicle accident.
Sometimes, several parties can be accountable for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are usually the primary reason for accidents, since they are liable. The trucking company is employed by them could be held responsible if it does not provide adequate training or equipment to their drivers. Additionally, the trucking company can be held liable for incentivizing or encouraging their employees to violate the federal regulations on hours of service. Finally, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be held accountable when there is an auto defect that leads to an accident.
It is crucial to determine all parties who are responsible for the accident in order to obtain an honest and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18-wheelers will examine your case to determine who is accountable for the accident, and will be prepared to pursue compensation from each of the parties responsible. Your lawyer may pursue non-economic damages, such as discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.
Liability
The cases involving truck accidents can be much more complex than claims for car accidents. The truck driver, the trucking company and vehicle manufacturer could all be held accountable for the consequences of an accident. The trucking industry also provides incentives that can cause trucks to drive recklessly, or even to sleep in order to speed up deliveries.
These factors can impact the time it takes to settle a case involving an accident. The plaintiff's injuries also have an impact on how long it will take to receive compensation. Serious injuries can lead to more money in settlements than minor injuries.
The insurance company of the trucking company may also attempt to reduce its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it is crucial to find a seasoned truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can. They will take on these deceitful tactics in order to get you the justice you deserve.
18 wheeler accident settlement santa maria as the bill of lading and black box data can be used to determine who is accountable for the truck accident. These documents could prove that the truck driver was reckless and will help determine whether the trucking company was involved in any involvement in the accident. The manufacturer of the truck could also be liable for the accident in the event that they manufactured a defective product.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation determines the time limit in which you can bring a lawsuit following an accident in the car. The time frame varies by state and is dependent on the kind of accident you were involved in. In general there are four years to bring an injury claim for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate through the process and determine if you have a claim.
Your personal injury lawyer will review the scene of the accident, talk to witnesses, and review medical records, driver logbooks employee files, and maintenance records to determine who was at fault for the accident. This could take a significant amount of time, so it is essential to begin this work as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance company will fight to stop paying you what you are due. They might also attempt to minimize your injuries or even exaggerate them. If they succeed they could delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting for more than a full year to receive your settlement.
Your lawyer can make sure that the statute of limitations will not expire before you're in a position to settle your case or even go to trial. There are some circumstances that could extend the statute of limitations, for instance the fact that you are a minor or have mental impairment.
Timeline
Tens of thousands semi truck accidents occur in the United States each year, causing debilitating injuries or death. Law firms that focus in these incidents earn an enormous amount of money. The settlements made in 18 wheeler accident cases have been in the millions of dollars, and often, billions of dollars.
Due to the nature of trucking accidents, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation completed to determine the extent of liability and damages. This process could take several months to be completed. Furthermore, if the matter involves several parties, it might take longer for them to come to an agreement on damages and liability.
To protect your interests it is crucial to get a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer on board at the beginning of the process. An attorney can help determine the maximum compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company doesn't attempt to settle your claim quickly and is offering an acceptable price.
Attorneys usually are paid on a contingency basis. They do not get paid until the case is won. They get about one-third of any final settlement or judgment of the court. They have to wait until the rest of their funds arrive before they can pay for their bills and expenses.