Commercial truck collisions can cause substantial property damage and injuries. Filing a claim to seek compensation for your injuries or losses following an accident may be an option. So, how long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?
Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Charlotte can help you pursue a favorable outcome to your case without unnecessary delays. Here, our team at Yale Haymond Law PLLC explains the trial vs. settlement timeframes and the factors that affect them.
Should You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Charlotte Following an Accident?
While any vehicular accident can produce a devastating outcome, truck accidents can be particularly complex. Collisions can cause severe injuries and create complex legal issues due to the vehicle’s size and regulations governing commercial vehicle operations. It’s common for truck accident lawsuits to involve multiple responsible parties, which can make determining liability even more of a challenge.
Partnering with a truck accident lawyer in Charlotte can help accident victims understand their legal options. The attorney can also handle communication with insurers and defense attorneys, as well as essential paperwork, allowing clients to focus on their recovery.
Typical Truck Accident Settlement Timeline: What To Expect
How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take? In many cases, plaintiffs may settle their cases within 6 to 16 months from the date of their accidents.
However, if a settlement is not reached, the case will proceed to court. A settlement can still occur in the days or weeks following the trial date, but it could take years for the courts to assign a date. The trial itself could also take years to complete, depending on the number of witnesses, the amount of evidence presented by both sides, and the court’s docket.
Take a closer look at the average truck accident timeline to have a better understanding of why this process may take several months or years to complete:
- Claim filing: You may file a claim for compensation with the insurance company representing the trucking company or other responsible party.
- Investigations: Both parties will investigate the accident to collect evidence to prove driver and company liability and establish damages.
- Medical treatment: The accident victim may have severe injuries, which are common for trucking collisions. They may require ongoing medical care, and treatment documentation will be essential for their claim.
- Demand and negotiation: After gathering evidence, your personal injury attorney will submit a demand letter to the insurance company for fair compensation. They may negotiate with the company on your behalf.
- Settlement agreement: A personal injury claim resolution only occurs after you agree on a settlement. Both parties will sign legal documents outlining its terms.
- Disbursement: Money from the settlement goes to the accident victim, their attorney, and lien holders, if necessary.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Large trucks, like 18-wheelers, require extra training and care to operate safely. Still, accidents can occur due to:
- Driver fatigue
- Bad weather conditions
- Speeding
- Unfamiliarity with the road
- Unbalanced cargo
- Inadequate driver training
- Insufficient truck maintenance
Contributing Factors to Truck Accident Settlement Timelines
There isn’t a single answer to “How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?” because every case is different. The factors affecting case lengths include:
Injuries
Recovering from a potentially catastrophic truck accident injury can take time. Due to the nature of the situation, personal injury claims for truck accidents typically don’t settle until the victims fully recover or reach the maximum level of medical improvement for their condition. The wait is ideal so that attorneys, insurance agencies, and other parties can accurately calculate the claim’s value.
Liability
The liability investigation process must be thorough to determine who is responsible for the accident and your injuries. Several parties could be at fault for your damages, including the trucking agency, the driver, the truck maintenance crew, and the shipping company. Gathering evidence to determine fault can be time-consuming.
Negotiations
Negotiations are standard for truck accident settlements, but they take time. The less willing a party is to compromise on a fair settlement, the longer negotiations will take. If all parties can’t agree on a settlement, the case will go to litigation.
Start Your Truck Accident Claim Today
How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take? Your 18-wheeler accident lawsuit duration depends on several factors, including your injuries and insurance company negotiations.
For help navigating your case, turn to our team at Yale Haymond Law PLLC. Our lawyers advocate for our clients’ rights while protecting their interests in simple and complex truck accident cases.
Our law firm is here to help. To request a free consultation at Yale Haymond Law PLLC in Charlotte, North Carolina, call (704) 800-4357.
