How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
The time it takes to settle a truck accident case varies from one to the next. There are a number of factors that affect the time frame of settlement.
It can take some time to determine who is responsible for an accident. A lawyer can assist you identify all the liable parties and maximize your settlement.
What to Expect
The time frame for settlement of an 18-wheeler lawsuit depends on a myriad of factors, including the possibility of liability and damages. The case may be delayed if the parties to the collision do not agree on fault. In addition, if there are any disagreements about evidence or witness testimony and testimony, it could take longer time to solve these issues.
Depending on the extent of the injuries, as well as the size of the insurance policy of the trucking company and the existing state or federal regulations governing commercial vehicles, settlement amounts can differ widely. It's important to note that plaintiff lawyers are paid on a contingency basis, meaning that they don't get paid until they prevail or settle the case.
Because of the severe and often fatal injuries that result from semi-truck accidents it's not surprising that these cases are huge business for lawyers who handle them. Settlements can reach millions of dollars in these cases. This is especially true if the trucking company has been found to be negligent.
Liability
In the United States, there are more than 100,000 accidents per year involving 18-wheelers. Many of these accidents cause serious injuries or even death. Most often, insurance companies reduce the victims of these accidents by offering settlement offers that do not reflect the extent of their injuries and the damages. A skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer can negotiate with large insurance companies to get the best settlement for their clients.
In an 18-wheeler lawsuit the defendants could be held liable for non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages and future earnings. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and emotional distress, disfigurement and diminished quality of living.
Attorneys who represent plaintiffs in 18 wheeler cases are paid on a contingency basis, which means they aren't paid until they are successful and can negotiate a settlement for their client. In the meantime, they need to cover court costs, take depositions, engage experts and other specialists, travel and pay for other expenses associated with winning a case.
Damages
18-wheeler accidents can lead to serious injuries, particularly when they occur at a high speed. The impact of an 18-wheeler crash could be more serious due to its weight and size. This means that the damages could be more severe as well.
In addition to the property and medical damage that may result from an 18-wheeler crash victims may also be eligible for compensation for their lost wages as well as the grief caused by the loss of a loved one. A personal injury lawyer can help determine the full compensation you are entitled to when you have suffered losses as a result of an accident involving a semi truck.
Litigation can be expensive. Attorneys representing plaintiffs need to pay for depositions, travel expenses, expert witnesses and court costs. They need the money of their clients as quickly as they can. There are a variety of ways that plaintiffs can receive their funds more quickly after a settlement. These are referred to as post settlement advances or lawsuit loans. These are a great option for those who have suffered injuries and need to cover their expenses while waiting for their settlement.
Timeline
There are a variety of factors that contribute to how long it takes to settle a truck accident case. The severity of your injuries is the primary factor. It is crucial to wait until you have achieved your maximum medical improvement before making a decision on settlement. You may be able to claim future losses, such as lost wages or diminished quality of life. Your lawyer will have to provide evidence to support your claims.
A dispute between the parties about the amount of liability or damages can prolong the settlement process. This is often the case when there are multiple insurance companies involved or when the parties are arguing over the who was responsible for the accident.
18 wheeler accident law firm escondido qualified truck accident attorney can help you determine if the insurance company is willing to pay a fair amount and if it will cover future and present damages. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate, it may be necessary to file a suit, which could extend the timeline for the case. In certain situations it could take an entire year or more to solve the issue.
Settlement
There are a few factors that can make it take the longest time to settle a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler. This includes the severity of injuries and the insurance considerations involved. It could take time for your doctor to provide documentation of permanent impairments that could impact your future losses. It is vital to not settle your claim for an accident too early, as it could leave you without the money you'll need to cover your entire range of damages.
Plaintiff attorneys who litigate 18 wheeler crashes work on contingency fees. They don't get paid until they prevail or reach an agreement. This means that they've had to spend their own money to cover court costs, travel, and expert witness fees all during the course of this case.
As you could imagine, this can be quite costly. Many 18 wheeler plaintiff attorneys utilize post settlement advances (also called lawsuit loans or settlement cash advances) to offset their out-of-pocket legal expenses to be able to collect the money they're owed sooner.