7 Small Changes That Will Make The Biggest Difference In Your How Long Does 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take
How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in a crash involving an 18-wheeler it is essential to hire an attorney for personal injuries who knows the law of trucking and can assist you in obtaining the best possible settlement. A truck accident case can take anywhere from three months and two years to settle.
Many parties could be accountable for your damages. Determining the fault in these types of accidents can be a challenge. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the parties responsible and make claims against each one of them.
Damages
Due to the higher weight and size of a commercial truck compared to the size of a car the accidents that involve 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can result in serious, and sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to cause substantial damage to property and vehicles. This is why the damages awarded by juries and settlements in 18 wheeler accidents tend to be significantly higher than those that are awarded in a typical motor vehicle accident.
There are many parties that could be at fault for an 18-wheeler accident. These include the driver of the truck who's negligence is often the leading cause of these accidents. However, the company they work for can be held accountable when they fail to adequately educate their drivers or provide them with proper equipment. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit tempe may also be liable if they encourage or rewards its drivers to break the federal laws regarding hours of service. The truck's manufacturer, or its parts, could also be held accountable for auto defects that cause an accident.
It is important to identify the parties responsible for the accident to secure an honest and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18-wheelers will investigate your case to determine the person responsible for the accident, and will be prepared to pursue compensation from each of the parties responsible. Attorneys can pursue non-economic damages such as pain and discomfort in addition to financial losses.
Liability
Accidents involving trucks can be much more complex than claims for car accidents. Different parties could be held accountable for the incident, including the driver of the truck, the trucking company, and the car manufacturer. The trucking industry also has incentives which can encourage trucks to drive recklessly or even skip sleep to deliver their goods quickly.
These factors can affect the time it takes to settle a lawsuit. The injuries of the plaintiff also influence the time it takes to get compensation. Serious injuries can lead to a larger settlement amount than minor injuries.
Additionally, the trucking company's insurance company will attempt to minimize their responsibility by reducing the value the claim. It is essential to find a truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. They will fight back against these tactics to ensure that you receive the money that you deserve.
Additional documents, such as the black box's information and bill of lading, could assist in determining who was responsible for the truck accident. These documents may prove that the truck driver was reckless and also help determine whether the trucking company had any involvement in the crash. If the truck manufacturer manufactured an unreliable vehicle it could be the one responsible for the crash.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation determines the period of time that you are able to make a claim after a car accident. The statute of limitations varies state-to-state and depends on the type of accident you suffered. In general, you have four years to file an action for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death suit. A seasoned attorney can help you navigate through the process and determine if you have a claim.
Your personal injury lawyer will look over the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and review medical documents, driver logbooks, employee files, and maintenance records to determine who was at fault for the accident. This can take a substantial amount of time, and it is important to begin this work as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance provider will fight to stop paying you the compensation you deserve. They might also attempt to downplay your injuries or even exaggerate them. If they are successful this can delay the settling of your claim, and you may be waiting for a settlement for over a year after the accident.
Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitations does not expire until you have settled your dispute or brought the matter to court. Certain circumstances may be able to override the statute of limitation for instance, when you are an adult and suffer from a mental impairment.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi truck accidents occur in the United States each year, causing debilitating injuries or death. These accidents are a major business for the law firms that specialize in handling these. Settlements in 18 wheeler accidents have been in the millions of dollars and often times, billions.
Due to the nature of trucking accidents, an exhaustive investigation has to be conducted in order to properly determine the responsibility and damages. This process can take up to several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it may take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.
To safeguard your rights, it's crucial to have an experienced trucking accident lawyer in your corner early in the process. An attorney can assist with determining the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company is not trying to resolve your claim too quickly and they are providing an appropriate amount.
Attorneys usually work on a contingency basis. They are not paid until the case is won. They receive about one third of the final settlement or judgment of the court. They have to wait until the rest of their money arrives before they can settle their expenses and bills.