How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you've been involved in a crash with an 18 wheeler, you need an injury lawyer who is familiar with the laws governing trucking and will assist you in obtaining the best possible settlement. It could take up to three months or a couple of years to settle a truck accident case.
Many parties could be accountable for the damages you suffer. Determining the fault in these incidents is a complicated. An experienced lawyer can identify all responsible parties and take legal action against them.
Damages
Due to the greater weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to an automobile the accidents that involve 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks often cause severe, and even life-threatening injuries. These accidents also typically cause more extensive destruction to vehicles and property. Due to this, the amount of damages paid out by juries as well as settlements in 18 wheeler accidents are typically much greater than those that are awarded in a typical motor vehicle accident.
Sometimes, several parties can be responsible for the cause of an 18-wheeler accident. It could be the driver of the truck, whose negligence is usually the leading cause of these accidents. The trucking company that they work for may also be held accountable if the company does not provide proper training or equipment to their drivers. Additionally, the trucking company could be held accountable if they encourage or incentivize their drivers to go over the federal requirements for hours of service. The company that makes the truck, or its parts, can also be held responsible for auto defects that cause an accident.
It is vital to identify all parties responsible for the accident in order to negotiate a fair and full settlement. An experienced 18 wheeler lawyer will examine your case to determine who is accountable for your accident and be prepared to pursue the compensation of each party responsible. In addition to seeking financial losses, your lawyer can also pursue non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Liability
The cases involving truck accidents can be much more complex than claims for car accidents. There are many parties that can be held accountable for the accident, which includes the driver of the truck and the trucking company and the manufacturer of the vehicle. In addition, the trucking industry has incentives that can lead trucks to be reckless or even not sleep to make deliveries quickly.
These factors can prolong the time it takes to settle a truck crash claim. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff could impact the length of time it takes to receive compensation. For serious injuries, it is possible to receive a larger settlement amount than minor injuries.
Furthermore, the trucking company's insurance provider will attempt to limit their liability by decreasing the value of the claim. This is why it's crucial to find a seasoned truck accident attorney as soon as you can. They will be able to fight these intimidation tactics to ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Additionally, additional documents such as the bill of lading as well as black box data can be used to determine who is accountable for the truck accident. These documents can prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly, and they will also aid in determining if the trucking company had any involvement in the accident. If the truck manufacturer was operating a vehicle that was defective, they may be responsible for the crash.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations defines the length of time you must start a lawsuit in the event of a crash. This timeframe varies from state to state and is contingent on the type of accident you were involved in. In general you will have up to four years to file an action for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. A seasoned attorney will guide you through the process and determine if you have an action.
Your personal injury lawyer will investigate the area of the accident, interview witnesses, and review medical records, driver logbooks, employee files, and maintenance records to determine who was at fault for the crash. It can take a long time and it's crucial to begin this work promptly to protect the evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance company, will do everything they can to avoid paying the amount you are due. They might also try to downplay your injuries or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they succeed it could delay settlement of your claim. 18 wheeler accident law firm austin could wait for more than a full year to receive your settlement.
Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire before you're capable of settling your claim or go to trial. There are certain circumstances that may be able to override the statute of limitations, including the fact that you are a minor or have a mental handicap.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi-truck accidents occur in the United States each year, that can cause fatal injuries or even death. Law firms that focus on these accidents earn huge sums of money. Settlements in 18-wheeler accidents can be in the millions or billions of dollars.
An exhaustive investigation is necessary due to the nature and severity of trucking accidents. The process can take several months to complete. If there are multiple parties involved, it may take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.
To protect your rights It is essential to get a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer on board early in the process. An attorney can assist in determining the best amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to pay your claim too fast and they are providing an amount that is fair.
Attorneys typically operate on a basis of contingent fees. This means that they don't get paid unless they succeed in winning the case. They usually receive around one third of the final settlement or court award. In the end, they must wait for the remainder of the money to come in before they can pay their bills and expenses.