Truck accident cases are often complicated due to the severity of the injuries, damages, and other factors. Filing a claim, gathering evidence, and seeking compensation can take you around six months to a full year. Hiring a legal professional ensures you take the appropriate measures and are on the right track.
Here is an overview of how long a truck accident claim may take to settle.
Understanding the Truck Accident Settlement Process
The first step in understanding the truck accident settlement process is to know who to contact. If you were involved in a truck accident, you would need a personal injury lawyer specializing in truck accidents. They will be with you throughout the process and help you understand your options.
The next step is to gather evidence. It may include photos of the accident scene, the police report, witness statements, and your medical records. Your lawyer will use this evidence to build a strong case and negotiate with the trucking company or their insurance provider.
The settlement negotiation aims to reach a fair settlement covering all your damages. It may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your case may go to trial if you and the other party cannot agree.
No matter what path your case takes, a personal injury lawyer will be there to fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve. Truck accidents can be complex, but with the right lawyer on your side, you can find justice.
The Role of the Statute of Limitations in Truck Accident Cases
Upon being involved in a truck accident, you may wonder about the statute of limitations or the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. In most states, the statute of limitations for truck accidents is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file a lawsuit within 2 years of the accident, you will lose permission to do so.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the trucking company was at fault for the accident, you might have more time to file a claim. For example, if the trucking company was aware of a dangerous condition on the road but did not take steps to fix it, you may have more time to file a lawsuit. Additionally, if the trucking company destroyed evidence you could use to prove your case, you may also have more time to file a lawsuit.
If you’re unsure about the statute of limitations in your state, it’s essential to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations and ensure you file your case promptly. Contact Ryan Injury Lawyers injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Factors That Delay Truck Crash Settlements
You may wonder how long it will take to settle your truck accident case. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Every case is different, and settlement can vary depending on several factors. Here are some of the most common factors that can delay a truck accident settlement:
Serious Injuries and Damages
If you or a loved one got seriously injured in a truck accident, your settlement would likely take longer than if the damages were less severe. It is because more time is needed to assess the extent of the injuries and damages fully. In addition, severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment, which can further lengthen the settlement process.
Accident Deaths
The settlement process can be much more complicated and lengthy if a truck accident results in death. It is due to the need to assess economic damages (e.g., funeral expenses) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering). In addition, wrongful death claims often involve multiple parties, further complicating matters.
Lengthy Investigations for Complicated Cases
Some truck accident cases are more complicated than others and may require a lengthy investigation. For example, if there is the question of whether the truck driver was at fault or if there is evidence of defective truck parts, this can lengthen the process.
Several Liable Parties
Several parties may be liable for the truck accident, which can delay settlement. It is because each party will want to assess their level of liability and may be reluctant to agree to a settlement.
Unreasonable Insurance Company
Unfortunately, some insurance companies are unreasonable and make settling a truck accident claim difficult. It can lengthen the process as you may have to go back and forth with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
How Long the Settlement Negotiation Process Is on Average
The average truck accident claim can take 9 months to 2 years to settle. The negotiation process can be lengthy, and several factors will affect how long it takes to settle. These include the severity of the injuries, the number of damages involved, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate, and the trucking company’s response to the claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the negotiation process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Speed up the Process
If you’ve gotten involved in a truck accident, you know how confusing and frustrating the claims process can be. Dealing with insurance companies, trucking companies, and their lawyers is enough to make anyone want to pull their hair out.
But did you know that hiring a truck accident lawyer can help speed up the process? Here’s how:
- A truck accident lawyer knows the ins and outs of the claim process. They can help you gather the necessary paperwork and evidence to support your claim. They can negotiate with insurance companies to get you the best possible settlement.
- A truck accident lawyer has experience dealing with trucking companies. It means they know how to deal with the red tape and bureaucracy that often come with these cases. They can cut through the nonsense and quickly get to your case’s heart.
- A truck accident lawyer will fight for you. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. They will often lowball truck accident victims to save themselves money. A truck accident lawyer will fight for you to get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Protecting Your Case Value and Compensation
Protecting your case value and compensation is vital if you have gotten involved in a truck accident. Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, which can impact the victim and their families. It is vital to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Here are several ways of protecting your case value and compensation:
Never Accept the Initial Offer
After a truck accident, the trucking company’s insurance adjuster will likely contact you and try to settle your claim quickly. They may even offer you a settlement that seems fair at first glance. However, it is essential to remember that the insurance adjuster’s goal is to settle your claim for as little money as possible. So, never accept the initial offer.
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Negotiation
Once you have your attorney, they will handle all communication with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. Your lawyer will fight for your claim’s total value and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Preserve Valuable Evidence
After a truck accident, preserving any evidence that may be helpful in your case is essential. It includes photos of the accident scene, medical records, and witnesses’ contact information. An experienced attorney will know how to collect and preserve this evidence so that you can use them to support your claim.
Document Everything
Keep a record of everything related to your truck accident, including medical appointments, conversations with the insurance adjuster, and any other expenses you incur. This documentation will be vital if you need to file a lawsuit to get your well-deserved compensation.
Take a Step in Protecting Your Rights and Speak With Truck Accident Lawyers
After a truck accident, it is vital to take some time to ensure that you are handling your case in the best way possible. It includes understanding the claims process and finding the right lawyer to represent you. Truck accident claims can be complex, and it is vital to have an experienced attorney to assist you in navigating the process and protecting your rights.
At Ryan Injury Lawyers, we specialize in truck accident claims. Our personal injury attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience. We understand the unique challenges of these cases, and we dedicate ourselves to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.
We offer free consultations to discuss potential claims and are available in person, by phone, by text, etc. Our goal is to assist every client in understanding their options and, if necessary, represent them through litigation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.