A Complete Guide To 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
The time required to settle a truck accident case varies from one to the next. The time frame for settlement could be affected by a variety of factors.
For instance, it might take some time to determine who is accountable for the accident. A lawyer can assist you identify all the parties at fault and maximize your settlement.
What to Expect
The timeframe for settling in a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler is based on a variety of factors which include the liability and damages. If the parties involved in the accident are unable to come to an agreement on fault, this can greatly delay the proceedings. If there is a dispute regarding the evidence or the testimony of witnesses, this may delay the case.
Settlement amounts vary dependent on the severity of injuries, the insurance policy of the trucking firm and the current federal or state regulations that regulate commercial vehicles. It's important to note that plaintiff attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don't get paid until they win or settle a case.
Because of the severe and often catastrophic injuries that can result from accidents involving semi-trucks, it's no surprise that these cases are huge business for attorneys who litigate them. Settlements often amount to millions of dollars in these cases. This is especially true when the trucking company has been found to be negligent.
Liability
In the United States, there are more than 100,000 accidents every year that involve 18-wheelers. A lot of these truck accidents cause serious injuries and even death. Insurance companies often undervalue the injuries and damages of the victims in these accidents. However, a skilled attorney representing victims of accidents on 18 wheels can level the playing field and negotiate with these huge insurance companies in order to obtain their clients the most lucrative settlements.
The defendants in a lawsuit involving an 18-wheeler could be held responsible for a variety of damages including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and future earnings. Non-economic losses include suffering and pain and emotional distress, disfigurement, and a lower quality of life.
Plaintiff attorneys who litigate 18 wheeler cases work on a contingency fee basis, which means they aren't paid until they prevail and agree to an agreement with their client. In the meantime, they have to pay for court fees, take depositions, engage experts and other specialists, travel and pay for other costs related to winning a case.
Damages
18 wheeler accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly when they're high-speed accidents. Due to the weight and size of these trucks, the impact may be more severe than a normal motor vehicle crash. This means that damages can be greater as well.
In addition to the physical and medical damage that can result from an 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler accident victims may also be eligible for compensation for lost wages as well as the grief caused by the loss of loved ones. If you've suffered losses as a result of a semi-truck accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you determine the amount of the compensation you could be entitled receive.
The cost of litigation can be high. Plaintiff attorneys need to pay for travel expenses, take depositions, hire expert witnesses, and pay court costs, which is why they must receive their clients' money as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are ways for plaintiffs to get their money quicker after settlement. These are known as post-settlement advances, lawsuit loans or settlement cash advances. These are a great way for injured parties to cover costs 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. One of the most important factors is the severity of your injuries. You should wait until your condition has improved to its maximum before you settle. This is because you could be able to claim future losses such as lost wages and diminished quality of life. Your attorney will require evidence to support these claims.
A dispute between the parties over the liability or damages could prolong the settlement process. This can often happen when there are several insurance companies involved or the parties are arguing about who was at fault for the accident.
A reputable lawyer for truck accidents can assist you in determining if the insurance company is offering an appropriate amount for your case, and whether or the insurance company will take care of all your future and current losses. If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit, which could extend time for the case. In certain cases the case could take longer than a year to settle.
Settlement
There are many factors which can significantly extend the time it takes for an 18-wheeler lawsuit to settle. The degree of the injuries and insurance considerations are two of the factors which can influence the length of time. It may also take some time for your doctor's records to reveal permanent impairments that could affect your future losses. Do not settle a claim for an accident too soon as this can result in you not having enough money to cover your full range damage.
Plaintiff attorneys who litigate 18 wheeler accidents work on contingency fees. They don't get paid until they win their case or reach a settlement. They have to pay for court costs, travel expenses, and expert witness fees during the process of a case.
As you might imagine, this could be quite costly. Many 18 wheeler plaintiff attorneys make use of post settlement advances (also called lawsuit loans or settlement cash advances) to offset the legal costs they incur out of pocket in order to receive the money they owe sooner.