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 familiar with trucking laws and can assist you to obtain the best settlement possible. A truck accident case can take between three months and two years to settle.
Finding out who is responsible for these kinds of accidents can be challenging, and multiple parties may be liable for your damages. 18 wheeler accident lawyer waterbury will be able to identify all responsible parties and make claims against them.
Damages
Due to the higher weight and dimensions of a truck as compared to passengers the accidents that involve 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks often result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. These accidents are also more likely to result in significant damage to vehicles and property. Due to this, the amount of damages paid out by juries as well as settlements in 18 wheeler accidents are often significantly higher than those granted in a typical motor vehicle accident.
In most cases, multiple parties could be at fault for an 18-wheeler collision. Truck drivers are typically the main cause of accidents, as they are negligent. The trucking company that they work for could be held responsible if it does not provide proper training or equipment to its drivers. The trucking company might also be liable if it encourages or rewards its drivers to break federal regulations regarding hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck, or its parts, is also liable if an auto defect causes an accident.
It is crucial to determine the parties responsible for the accident to secure an equitable and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18 wheelers will review your case to determine who is responsible for your crash and then be fully prepared to seek the compensation of each party responsible. Your lawyer can seek damages that are not economic, such as discomfort and pain in addition to financial losses.
Liability
The legal process for truck accidents is more complex than typical car accident claims. The truck driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer can all be held accountable for an accident. Furthermore, the industry of trucking has incentives that can cause trucks to speed recklessly and even miss sleep to complete deliveries quickly.
These factors can impact the time it takes to settle a lawsuit. The injury of the plaintiff can affect how long it will take to receive compensation. The severity of injuries can result in more money in settlements than minor injuries.
The insurance provider of the trucking firm will try to minimize its liability by reducing the amount of the claim. This is why it is crucial to find a seasoned truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. They will take on these deceitful tactics to get you the compensation you deserve.
Additional documents, like the black box's data and bill of lading also help determine who is responsible for the accident on the truck. 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. If the manufacturer of the truck had an unreliable vehicle it could be the one responsible for the accident.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations determines the time limit in which you can start a lawsuit following an automobile accident. The period of time varies according to the state and depends on the type of accident that you were involved in. In general you will have up to four years to bring an action for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death suit. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate through the process and determine if you have any claims.
The personal injury lawyer you hire will investigate the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also review medical records. They will also examine driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who was at fault. This can take some time so it's essential to start this process as soon as you can to preserve the evidence.
The trucking company, as well as their insurance company will do all they can to avoid paying the amount you are due. They might also attempt to minimize your injuries or even exaggerate them. If they succeed this could delay the settlement of your claim, and you could be left waiting for a settlement for over a year following your accident.
Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitation doesn't expire until you have settled your claim or brought it to court. There are some circumstances which can extend the statute of limitations, such as the fact that you are a minor or suffer from mental impairment.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi-truck accidents happen in the United States each year, which can result in fatal injuries or even death. Law firms that focus on these incidents make huge sums of money. Settlements in 18 wheeler accident cases have been in the millions of dollars, and often, billions of dollars.
A thorough investigation is essential due to the severity and nature of trucking accidents. This process could take several months to complete. If there are multiple parties involved, it can take longer to reach an agreement on the amount of damages and liability.
It is vital that a skilled trucking accident attorney is onboard early in the process to ensure that your interests are being protected. A lawyer can help you determine the maximum compensation you deserve. They can also ensure that the insurance company does not try to settle your claim quickly and is able to offer an affordable price.
Attorneys usually operate on a contingency fee basis. They are not paid until the case is won. They are paid about one-third of any final settlement or the court's decision. In the end, they have to wait for the remainder of the money to come in before they are able to pay for their bills and expenses.