How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
The time it takes to settle a trucking accident situation can differ from case to case. There are many factors that can influence the speed of settlement.
It can take an extended time to determine who is responsible for an accident. A lawyer can assist in identifying the parties responsible and maximize the settlement.
What to Expect
The timeline for a settlement in a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler is dependent on many factors which include the amount of liability and damages. If the parties involved in the collision are not able to reach an agreement on the responsibility, this could greatly delay the trial. In addition, if there are any disagreements about witnesses' testimony or evidence, it may take more time to resolve these issues.
Based on the severity of the injuries, the amount of the trucking company's insurance policy and the current state or federal regulations for commercial vehicles, settlement amounts can vary widely. Remember that plaintiff lawyers are paid on a contingency basis. This means that they are not paid until they succeed in winning a case or reach a settlement.
Due to the serious and often catastrophic injuries that result from accidents involving semi-trucks, it's no surprise that these cases are huge business for lawyers who handle them. Settlements can be as high as millions of dollars in these cases. This is especially true if the trucking company is deemed negligent.
Liability
Each year, there are nearly 100,000 accidents involving 18 wheelers in the United States. Many of these crashes result in serious injuries or even death. In many cases, insurance companies make it difficult for victims of these accidents with settlements that do not reflect the full extent of their injuries and damages. However, a skilled attorney for 18 wheeler accidents can even the playing field and negotiate with these massive insurance companies to ensure that they offer their clients the maximum settlements.
In an 18-wheeler lawsuit, the defendants may be held responsible for non-economic and economic damages. 18 wheeler accident attorney salem can include medical bills, lost wages and future earnings. Non-economic damages can include suffering and pain and emotional distress, disfigurement and a lower quality of life.
Plaintiff attorneys who litigate in 18 wheeler cases are paid on a contingent basis. This means that they won't get paid until their case is resolved and they negotiate a settlement with their client. In the meantime, they must pay court costs, attend depositions, employ experts and other specialists, travel and pay for other expenses required to win a case.
Damages
18 wheeler accidents can cause severe injuries, particularly when they're high-speed crashes. Due to the size and weight of these trucks, the impact could be more severe than a normal motor vehicle accident. The damage can be greater.
In addition to medical and property damages that result from an 18-wheeler collision victims could be able to claim compensation for lost wages and grief caused by the death of loved ones. A personal injury lawyer can assist you to determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to if were a victim of an accident involving a semi-truck.
Legal proceedings can be costly. Plaintiff attorneys need to pay for travel expenses to take depositions, pay experts as witnesses, and pay court costs, which is why they must receive their clients' money as fast as they can. There are several ways 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 way for injured parties to cover expenses while waiting on their settlement.
Timeline
There are many factors that influence how long it takes to settle a truck accident case. One of the major factors is the severity of your injuries. You should wait until your condition has improved to the maximum before settling. You could be eligible to claim future losses, including reduced wages or a decrease in the quality of living. Your lawyer will have to prove your claims.
Another factor that can prolong the settlement process is a dispute between parties regarding liability or damages. This is often the case when there are several insurance companies involved, or if the parties are arguing over who was at fault for the incident.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will help you determine if the insurance company offers you a fair amount and if it will cover your current and future damages. If the insurance company is not willing to compromise, you may need to file a suit which could extend the timeline of the case. In certain cases the case could take more than a year to resolve.
Settlement
There are a few factors that can cause an extended time to settle a 18-wheeler lawsuit. This includes the severity of injuries and the insurance considerations involved. It can take a while for your doctor to submit 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 result in you not receiving the funds you need to recover for the full extent of your injuries.
Attorneys representing plaintiffs who litigate in 18-wheeler collisions are paid on a contingency fee basis and do not get paid unless they win or negotiate an agreement. This means they've to pay for their own money to cover court costs, travel and expert witness expenses all during the the case.
As you can imagine, this can add up to a quite a lot. Many 18-wheeler plaintiff attorneys use settlement cash advances or lawsuit loans to cover their legal costs out of pocket. This lets them get their money earlier.