How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you're involved in an accident involving a 18-wheeler, you will need a personal attorney who is well-versed in trucking laws and can assist you to obtain the best settlement possible. It can take between three months and several years to settle a truck accident case.
Multiple parties could be responsible for your injuries. Finding out who was at fault for these cases is a difficult. 18 wheeler accident lawyer newton will be able to identify all responsible parties and take legal action against them.
Damages
Accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks that are large can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a commercial truck being bigger than a standard passenger car. These accidents can also cause more extensive damage to property and vehicles. This is why the damages awarded by juries and settlements in 18 wheeler accidents tend to be more than those that are that are awarded in a typical motor vehicle accident.
In many cases, multiple parties are responsible for an 18-wheeler accident. Truck drivers are usually the primary reason for accidents, since they are negligent. However, the trucking company they work for can be held accountable if they fail to properly educate their drivers or provide them with the proper equipment. The trucking company could also be held accountable if it encourages or rewards its drivers to violate federal regulations on hours of service. The manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be held accountable when there is an auto defect that leads to an accident.
Identifying all the liable parties is essential to secure an honest and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18 wheelers will review your case to determine the person responsible for your accident and be prepared to pursue settlement from each party accountable. Your lawyer can pursue non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain as well as financial losses.
Liability
The cases involving truck accidents can be much more complex than car accident claims. Various parties can be held responsible for the accident, including the truck driver and the trucking company and the car manufacturer. Additionally, the trucking industry has incentives that could cause trucks to drive recklessly or even not sleep to complete deliveries quickly.
These factors can prolong the amount of time it takes to settle a truck accident claim. Personal injuries to the plaintiff can impact the length of time it takes to get compensation. For serious injuries, it is possible to receive an amount of settlement that is higher than minor injuries.
Additionally, the trucking company's insurance provider will attempt to minimize their liability by reducing the value of the claim. It is essential to contact a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will be able to fight these tactics of intimidation to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
Additional documents like the bill of lading as well as black box data can help determine which party is liable for the truck accident. These documents could prove that the truck driver was driving recklessly and can aid in determining whether the trucking firm had any involvement in the accident. The truck manufacturer could be liable for the accident if they had a defective product.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitation sets the period of time that you are able to bring a lawsuit following an automobile accident. The length of time can differ by state and is determined by the type accident you were involved in. In general you will have up to four years to bring an injury claim for personal injury, and two years to file a wrongful-death suit. A seasoned attorney can assist you in the process and determine if you have an opportunity to pursue a claim.
The personal injury lawyer you hire will investigate the scene of the accident and interview witnesses. They will also look over medical records. They will also look over driver logbooks, employee records and maintenance records to determine who was at fault. This can take a considerable amount of time and it is crucial to begin this work as quickly as possible in order to preserve evidence.
The trucking company, and their insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying what you deserve. They might also try to minimize your injuries or even exaggerate them. If they succeed this can delay the settling of your claim, and you could be waiting for a settlement for more than a year after your crash.
Your lawyer will ensure that the statute of limitations doesn't expire before you are able to settle your claim or even go to trial. There are a few circumstances that may be able to override the statute of limitations, including the fact that you are a minor or suffer from mental impairment.
Timeline
In the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of semi truck accidents each year that result in debilitating injuries and death. These accidents are a major business for the law firms who specialize in handling them. The settlements reached in 18 wheeler accidents have been in the millions of dollars, and often times, billions.
A thorough investigation is essential due to the nature and severity of trucking accidents. This process can take several months to complete. In addition, if the case involves multiple parties, it may take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.
To safeguard your rights It is essential to have a seasoned trucking accident lawyer available at the beginning of the process. A lawyer can assist you with determining the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. They can also make sure that the insurance company does not attempt to settle your claim as quickly as possible and is providing an affordable price.
Attorneys usually work on a contingent fee. They do not get paid until the case is won. They get around one-third of any final settlement or court award. In the end, they have to wait for the rest of the money to be deposited before they can pay their bills and expenses.