The Ugly Truth About How Long Does 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take
How Long Does It Take to File an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
If you are involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler vehicle, you'll need a personal attorney who is familiar with trucking laws and can help you achieve the highest settlement possible. It could take up to three months or several years to settle a truck accident case.
Determining who is at fault in these incidents can be a challenge and several parties could be responsible for your injuries. A skilled attorney can identify all parties liable and take legal action against them.
18 wheeler accident lawsuit lincoln involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks that are large can result in serious, even life-threatening injuries. This is due to the weight and size of a truck being much bigger than a standard passenger car. These accidents are also more likely to cause substantial damage to property and vehicles. Because of this, the damages that juries and settlements award in 18 wheeler accidents are typically much higher than those awarded for a normal motor vehicle accident.
Sometimes, several parties can be accountable for an 18-wheeler accident. These include the driver of the truck who's negligence is typically the main cause of these accidents. However, the trucking company they work for could be held liable as well if they fail to properly educate their drivers or provide them with appropriate equipment. Furthermore, the company that operates the truck can be held accountable for encouraging or enticing their employees to violate the federal regulations on hours of service. The truck's manufacturer or its components could also be held accountable if an auto defect causes an accident.
It is essential to identify the parties responsible for the accident in order to obtain an equitable and complete settlement. A skilled attorney for 18 wheelers will examine your case to determine the person responsible for the accident, and will be fully prepared to seek settlement from each party accountable. In addition to pursuing financial losses, your lawyer may also pursue other damages like pain and suffering.
Liability
The cases involving truck accidents are more complex than typical car accident claims. Different parties could be held accountable for the incident, including the driver of the truck as well as the trucking firm and the vehicle manufacturer. The trucking industry also has incentives which can encourage trucks to be reckless and even to sleep in order to make quick deliveries.
These factors can affect the time it takes to settle a lawsuit. The injury of the plaintiff can play a role in the length of time it will take to get compensation. In the case of severe injuries, they often result in higher settlement amounts, as opposed to minor injuries that may only result in a lower settlement.
The insurance company of the trucking company may also try to limit its liability by reducing the value of the claim. Therefore, it is crucial to contact a truck accident lawyer immediately. They will combat these intimidation tactics to get you the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, additional documents like the bill of lading or black box data can help identify the party responsible for the truck crash. These documents could prove that the driver of the truck was driving recklessly and also aid in determining whether the trucking firm had any involvement in the crash. If the truck manufacturer manufactured an unsafe vehicle, they may be responsible for the accident.
Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit for the cause of a crash. The period of time varies according to the state and is based on the type of accident you suffered. 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 guide you through the process and determine if there is a case.
A personal injury lawyer will examine the accident scene and interview witnesses. They will also look over medical records. They will also examine the logbooks of employees, driver logbooks and maintenance records to determine who is at fault. It can take a long time and it's crucial to begin the process immediately to safeguard the evidence.
The trucking company and their insurer will do everything they can to stop paying you what you deserve. They may also attempt to minimize or exaggerate your injuries. If they are successful this could delay the settlement of your claim. You could wait more than a whole year to receive your settlement.
Your lawyer can ensure that the statute of limitation does not expire until you settle your claim or brought it to court. Some circumstances can override the statute of limitations for instance, if you are minor and suffer from an intellectual disability.
Timeline
Tens of thousands of semi-truck accidents occur in the United States each year, that can cause fatal injuries or even death. These incidents are big business for the law firms that specialize in handling them. The settlements made in 18 wheeler accidents have been in the millions of dollars, and often, billions of dollars.
Due to the nature of trucking accidents an extensive investigation needs to be done to determine liability and damages. This procedure can take several months. If there are multiple parties involved, it may take longer to reach an agreement on damages and liability.
It's important that an experienced trucking accident lawyer is involved early in the process to ensure that your interests are being protected. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of compensation you deserve. They can also ensure that the insurance company isn't trying to settle your claim too quickly and that they are offering an appropriate amount.
Attorneys usually work on a contingent fee basis. They are not paid until the case is won. They receive about 1/3 of any final settlement or court award. They have to wait until the remainder of their funds arrive before they can settle their expenses and bills.