How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in an accident involving a 18-wheeler, you will need a personal attorney who is knowledgeable of trucking laws and can help you get the most favorable settlement. It can take between three months and a couple of years to settle a truck accident case.
The process of determining fault in these types of accidents can be difficult and several parties could be liable for your damages. An experienced attorney will be able identify the parties responsible and seek to pursue claims against them.
Damages
Because of the much greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to passengers accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other commercial trucks that are large can result in severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents can also result in more severe damage to property and vehicles. The damages given in 18-wheeler accident settlements and jury awards are usually significantly greater than those in an ordinary motor vehicle crash.
In most cases, multiple parties could be responsible for the cause of an 18-wheeler crash. This could include the driver of the truck who's negligence is typically the leading cause of these accidents. The trucking company that they work for may also be held responsible if it does not provide proper training or equipment to their drivers. The trucking firm could be held accountable if it encourages or rewards its drivers to violate federal regulations on hours of service. The company that makes the truck or its components could also be held accountable if an auto defect causes an accident.
Identifying all the liable parties is essential to secure the most fair and comprehensive settlement. A knowledgeable attorney for 18-wheelers will review the case to determine which party is accountable for the accident and will be prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. Your lawyer can pursue non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain in addition to financial losses.
Liability
The legal process for truck accidents is more complicated than claims for car accidents. The truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the vehicle can all be held responsible for the consequences of an accident. Furthermore, the industry of trucking offers incentives that can lead trucks to drive recklessly and even skip sleep in order to make deliveries quickly.
These elements can influence how long it takes to settle a case involving an accident. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff also affect how long it takes to get compensation. Severe injuries often lead to larger settlement amounts and less than minor injuries that might result in a smaller settlement.
In addition, the trucking firm's insurance provider will attempt to minimize their liability by decreasing the value of the claim. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will take on these tactics to ensure that you receive the money you are entitled to.
Additional documents, such as the black box data as well as the bill of lading assist in determining who was responsible for the accident on the truck. These documents could prove that the driver of the truck was reckless, and they will also aid in determining if the trucking company had any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer was operating a defective vehicle and was responsible for the accident.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation determines how long you can start a lawsuit in the event of an accident. The length of time can differ by state and is based on the kind of accident you were involved in. In general you have four years to bring a personal injury claim, and two years to file a wrongful-death suit. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process and determine if you're eligible for a case.
Your personal injury attorney will investigate the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also look over medical records. They will also look over the logbooks of employees, driver logbooks and maintenance records in order to determine who was responsible for the accident. This can take a considerable amount of time and it is crucial to begin the process as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance provider will fight to avoid paying you the amount you deserved. 18 wheeler accident lawyer boston might also try to downplay your injuries or even exaggerate them. If they succeed this can delay the settling of your claim, and you could be waiting for your settlement for more than a year following your accident.
Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitations will not expire before you're able to settle your claim or bring it to trial. Some circumstances can override the statute of limitations in certain situations, for example, being minor and suffer from a mental impairment.
Timeline
In the United States, there are thousands of semi-truck accidents every year that result in devastating injuries and deaths. Law firms that focus in these incidents earn a lot of money. Settlements for 18-wheeler accident cases can reach millions and even billions of dollars.
Due to the nature of trucking accidents, an extensive investigation needs to be completed to determine the responsibility and damages. This process can take several months to complete. If there are multiple parties involved, it might take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.
It is essential that a seasoned trucking accident lawyer is involved early on to ensure that your best interests are safeguarded. A lawyer can assist you determine the maximum compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company isn't trying to resolve your claim too quickly and also that they offer an appropriate amount.
Attorneys typically operate on a basis of contingent fees. They are not paid until the case is won. They typically receive about one third of the final settlement or the court's award. In the end, they must wait for the remainder of the money to arrive before they can pay their bills and expenses.