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 timeline for settlement can be affected by several factors.

For instance, it might take time to determine who is responsible for the accident. A lawyer can assist you identify all the parties at fault and maximize your settlement.

What to Expect

The time frame for settlement of a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler is contingent on many factors, including the amount of liability and damages. The case may be delayed if parties to the collision do not agree on fault. In addition, if there are any disagreements regarding evidence or witness testimony the process could take longer time to solve these issues.

Based on the severity of the injuries, the scope of the insurance policy of the trucking company and existing state or federal regulations governing commercial vehicles, settlement amounts can be wildly different. Keep in mind that plaintiff attorneys are paid on the basis of a contingency. This means they don't get paid until they win a case or reach a settlement.

It's not a surprise that semi-truck accidents are a lucrative business for attorneys. It's uncommon to see settlements in these cases to be millions of dollars or more. This is especially true if the trucking company has been found to be negligent.

Liability

In the United States, there are more than 100,000 accidents each year that involve 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheelers. A lot of these accidents result in serious injuries or even death. Insurance companies often undervalue the injuries and damages of the victims in these accidents. However, an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney can even the playing field and negotiate with these huge insurance companies in order to obtain their clients the highest settlements.

The defendants in a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler may be held liable for a variety of damages, such as economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical expenses, lost wages and future earnings. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and emotional distress, disfigurement and a diminished quality of life.

Plaintiff attorneys who are litigating in 18 wheeler cases are paid on a contingency basis. This means that they don't receive compensation until their case is won and they agree to a settlement with their client. They must pay court fees as well as hire experts, other specialists, travel and other costs associated in winning the case.

Damages

18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheeler accidents can result in serious injuries, particularly when they occur at high speed. The impact of an 18-wheeler accident can be more severe because of its weight and size. This means that the damages could be greater as well.

In addition to the medical and property damages that may result from a crash involving an 18-wheeler, victims may be able to claim compensation for the loss of wages and grief caused by the loss of loved ones. A personal injury lawyer can assist you to determine the maximum amount of compensation you can receive if you have suffered losses as a result of a semi truck crash.

It's not a secret that litigation is expensive. Plaintiff attorneys must pay for travel, depositions expert witnesses and court costs. They need the money of their clients as soon as they can. There are a variety of ways that plaintiffs can receive their funds more quickly after a settlement. These are known as post settlement advances or lawsuit loans. These are an excellent way for injured parties to pay costs while waiting for their settlement.

Timeline

There are a myriad of factors that contribute to the time it takes to settle a truck crash case. One of the most important factors is the severity of your injuries. You should wait until your condition has improved to the maximum before settling. You could be eligible for future losses, including loss of wages or a lower standard of living. Your attorney will need to prove your claims.

A dispute between the parties regarding damages or liability can also delay the settlement process. This could happen when several insurance companies are involved or the parties do not agree on who was at fault.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you determine if the insurance company provides you with a fair amount and if it will pay for future and current damages. If the insurance company is unwilling to compromise, it could be necessary to file a suit that could extend the time frame for the case. In certain cases it could take more than a full year to resolve.

Settlement

There are a few factors that can cause the longest time to settle a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler. The extent of the injuries and insurance considerations are two aspects which can influence the length of time. It can take a while for your doctor to provide documentation of permanent impairments that could impact your future losses. It is not advisable to settle a claim for an accident too soon as this can leave you without money to cover all losses.

Attorneys who represent plaintiffs in 18-wheeler crashes are paid on a contingent fee basis and are not paid until they win or reach an agreement. They are required to pay court costs and travel expenses as well as expert witness fees throughout the trial.

As you could imagine, this can add up quite a bit. Many 18-wheeler plaintiff lawyers utilize settlement cash advances or lawsuit loans to pay for the legal expenses they incur out of pocket. This lets them receive the funds earlier.