How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in a crash with an 18 wheeler You need a personal injury attorney that understands trucking law and can assist you in obtaining the best possible settlement. A truck crash case can be anywhere between three months to two years to settle.
Multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. Finding out who was at fault for these incidents is a complicated. 18 wheeler accident attorney pasadena can determine all responsible parties and assert claims against each of them.
Damages
Accidents involving 18-wheelers as well as other large commercial trucks can cause serious, and even life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a truck being more than a typical passenger car. They also tend to cause much more significant destruction to vehicles and property. Therefore, the damages that are awarded in 18 wheeler accidents settlements and jury awards are usually substantially higher than those awarded in a typical motor vehicle accident.
Many times, multiple parties are accountable for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are often the primary reason for accidents, since they are liable. The trucking company that they work for could also be held accountable if it fails to provide proper training or equipment to their drivers. In addition, the trucking company can be held accountable for incentivizing or encouraging their employees to violate the federal requirements for hours of service. Additionally, the manufacturer of the truck or its components can be held liable when there is an auto defect that results in an accident.
The identification of all responsible parties is essential to ensure an equitable and fair settlement. An experienced 18-wheeler lawyer will investigate the case to determine which party is responsible for your accident and will be prepared to pursue compensation from each party responsible. In addition to pursuing financial losses, your lawyer can also pursue damages not monetary, such as suffering and pain.
Liability
The legal process for truck accidents is much more complex than car accident claims. Various parties can be held accountable for the occurrence, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the car manufacturer. In addition, the trucking industry has incentives that can cause trucks to be reckless in their driving and even sleepless to deliver deliveries on time.
These factors can increase how long it takes to settle a lawsuit. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff also play a role in the length of time it will take to receive compensation. The most severe injuries usually result in higher settlements in comparison to minor injuries which may result in a lower settlement.
Moreover, the trucking company's insurance provider will attempt to limit their liability by decreasing the value of the claim. It is essential to hire a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will combat these intimidation tactics to ensure that they get you the money you deserve.
Additional documents, like the black box's information and bill of lading can aid in determining who is at fault for the truck crash. These documents may show that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly. They can also be used to determine the extent of involvement by the trucking company in the accident. The truck manufacturer may also be responsible for the accident in the event that they manufactured a defective product.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations defines the time limit in which you are able to make a claim after an automobile accident. This period varies by state and depends on the type of accident you were in. In general, you have four years to file an action for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. An experienced attorney will guide you through the process and determine if you have an issue.
Your personal injury lawyer will look over the area of the accident, speak with witnesses, and review medical records, driver logbooks, maintenance and employee records to find out who was responsible for the accident. It can take a long time so it's essential to begin this work as soon as you can to preserve the evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance provider will fight to stop paying you the compensation you deserve. They might also attempt to reduce or exaggerate the severity of the extent of your injuries. If they succeed this could delay the settlement of your claim. You could be waiting for more than a full year for your settlement.
Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitation doesn't expire until you settle your claim or taken the matter to court. Certain circumstances may extend the statute of limitation in certain situations, for example, if you are an under-age person and suffer from mental disabilities.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi-truck accidents happen in the United States each year, leading to fatal injuries or even death. These incidents are big business for the law firms that specialize in handling them. Settlements for 18-wheeler accident cases can be in the millions or billions of dollars.
A thorough investigation is required due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. This process can take several months to complete. If there are multiple parties involved, it can take longer to reach an agreement on liability and damages.
To safeguard your interests It is essential to get a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer on your side early in the process. A lawyer can assist you in determining the best amount of compensation you're entitled. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to settle your claim too quickly and also that they offer the right amount.
Lawyers typically operate on a contingency fee basis. They are not paid unless the case is won. They usually get around a third of the final settlement or the court's award. They must therefore wait until the rest of their money is available before they can pay their expenses and bills.