How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you'll need a personal attorney who is knowledgeable of trucking laws and can help you get the most favorable settlement. It could take anywhere from three months to a couple of years to settle a truck accident case.
Multiple parties could be responsible for the damages you suffer. Finding out who is at fault in these incidents is a complicated. An experienced attorney can identify the responsible parties and pursue claims against each of them.
Damages
Due to the higher weight and size of a truck than the size of a car the accidents that involve 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks often result in severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to cause significant damage to property and vehicles. As such, damages paid out in 18 wheeler crash settlements and jury awards are typically substantially higher than those awarded in a typical motor vehicle accident.
In most cases, multiple parties could be accountable for an 18-wheeler collision. This could include the truck driver who's negligence is typically the leading cause of these accidents. The trucking company they work for could also be held liable if it fails to provide proper training or equipment for its drivers. The trucking company could also be liable if it encourages or rewards their drivers to break the federal laws regarding hours of service. The company that makes the truck or its components could also be held accountable when an auto defect causes an accident.
Identifying all the liable parties is vital to securing a full and fair settlement. A knowledgeable attorney for 18-wheelers will investigate the incident to determine who is responsible for your accident and be ready to pursue compensation from each party responsible. Attorneys can pursue non-economic damages, such as discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.
Liability
Truck accident cases are much more complicated than standard car accident claims. The truck driver, trucking company and vehicle manufacturer could all be held accountable for the consequences of an accident. Furthermore, the industry of trucking has incentives that could cause trucks to be reckless and even sleepless to complete deliveries on time.
These factors can affect the amount of time needed to settle a truck crash claim. The injuries suffered by the plaintiff also have an impact on the time it takes to get compensation. The severity of injuries can result in more money in settlements than minor injuries.
Furthermore, the trucking company's insurance company will try to minimize their responsibility by reducing the amount of the claim. Therefore, 18 wheeler accident attorney east orange is important to get a truck crash lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to counter these intimidating tactics to get you the money you deserve.
Additional documents, such as the black box's information and bill of lading assist in determining who was at fault for the truck crash. These documents may prove that the truck driver was driving recklessly and can aid in determining whether the trucking company was involved in any involvement in the crash. The manufacturer of the truck could also be held accountable for the accident if they had a defective product.
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 length of time can differ by state and is dependent on the kind of accident you were involved in. In general you will have up to four years to file an injury claim and two years to file a wrongful-death suit. An experienced lawyer will assist you through the process and determine if there is any claims.
Your personal injury lawyer will review the scene of the accident, interview witnesses and review medical records. They will also examine driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who was responsible for the accident. This could take some time, so it's important to begin the process promptly to protect the evidence.
The trucking company and their insurance company will do everything they can to stop paying you what you deserve. They might also attempt to downplay your injuries or even exaggerate the severity of your injuries. If they are successful this could delay the settlement of your claim. You could wait longer than a year to receive your settlement.
Your lawyer will be able to ensure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire before you're in a position to settle your case or take it to trial. Certain circumstances may extend the statute of limitations in certain situations, for example, being an adult and suffer from a mental impairment.
Timeline
Tens of thousands semi truck accidents happen in the United States each year, that can cause fatal injuries or even death. Law firms that focus in these incidents earn huge sums of money. The settlements reached in 18 wheeler accident cases have been in the millions of dollars and oftentimes even billions.
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 may take longer to reach an agreement on liability and damages.
To protect your rights It is essential to have a skilled trucking accident lawyer on board early in the process. A lawyer can help you determine the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. They can also ensure that the insurance company doesn't attempt to settle your claim in a hurry and is providing a fair price.
Attorneys usually are paid on a contingency basis. This means that they won't be paid unless they prevail in the case. They usually receive around one-third of the final settlement or court award. As a result, they have to wait for the remainder of the money to be received before they can pay their bills and expenses.