How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
The amount of time required to settle a trucking accident situation can differ from case to case. The timeframe for settlement can be affected by several factors.
For instance, it may take some time to determine who is accountable for the accident. A lawyer can help determine all the parties responsible and maximize the settlement.
What to Expect
The timeframe for settling of a 18-wheeler lawsuit is dependent on a myriad of factors, including the amount of liability and damages. The case may be delayed if the parties to the collision are not able to reach an agreement on who is responsible. If there are disagreements regarding the evidence or the testimony of witnesses, this may delay the proceedings.
Settlement amounts can differ greatly in proportion to the severity of injuries, the insurance policy of the trucking company and the current federal or state regulations that regulate commercial vehicles. Remember that plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. This means they are not paid until they succeed in winning a case or reach a settlement.
Due to the serious and often fatal injuries that result from semi-truck accidents it's not surprising that these cases are big business for the attorneys who litigate them. In this way, it's not common to see settlements in these cases to exceed millions of dollars or more. This is especially true if the trucking company is found to be negligent.
Liability
Each year, there are more than 100,000 accidents involving 18 wheelers in the United States. Many of these truck crashes result in serious injuries or even death. The majority of insurance companies lowball the victims of these accidents with settlement offers that don't reflect the full extent of their injuries and the damages. A skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer can negotiate with big insurance companies and get the best settlement for their clients.
In a lawsuit brought against an 18-wheeler, the defendants may be held liable for non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages can include medical bills, lost wages or future earnings. Other damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and diminished quality of life.
Plaintiff attorneys who take part in 18 wheeler cases are paid on a contingent basis. This means that they don't get paid until their case is settled and they settle with their client. In the meantime, they need to cover court costs, take depositions, employ experts and other specialists, travel and pay for any other expenses associated with winning a case.
Damages
18-wheeler accidents can result in serious injuries, particularly when they occur at high speed. Due to the weight and size of these trucks, the impact could be even more severe than a normal motor vehicle crash. This means that the damage could be higher as well.
In addition to the medical and property damage that may result from the crash of an 18 wheeler victims can also receive compensation for the loss of their income and the grief caused by the loss of loved ones. A personal injury lawyer can assist you to determine the total amount you are entitled to if are suffering losses as a result of the crash of a semi-truck.
Litigation can be expensive. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit new bedford representing plaintiffs have to pay for things like travel for depositions, travel to court, hire expert witnesses, and cover costs for court, so they require their clients' money as fast as possible. There are a variety of ways plaintiffs can get their money quicker after settlement. These are known as post settlement advances or lawsuit loans. They are a great method for injured parties to pay expenses while waiting for their settlement.
Timeline
Many factors influence the time required to settle an accident case which involves a truck. The severity of your injuries is an important factor. It is important to wait until you've achieved your maximum medical improvement before making a decision on settlement. You may be able claim future losses, such as loss of wages or a lower standard of living. Your lawyer will have to prove your claims.
Another reason that can delay the settlement process is a dispute between two parties over liability or damages. This can often happen when there multiple insurance companies involved or if the parties are arguing over the who was responsible for the incident.
A reputable lawyer for truck accidents will help you determine if the insurance company is offering an acceptable amount for your case, and whether or the insurance company will be able to cover all of your current and future losses. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate, it may be necessary to file a suit which could prolong the duration of the case. In some cases the case could take longer than a full year to resolve.
Settlement
There are a few factors that can cause a long time to settle a 18-wheeler lawsuit. This is due to the severity of the injuries and the insurance considerations that are involved. It can also take time for your doctor to submit documentation of permanent impairments that could affect your future losses. It is important that you not settle your claim for an accident too early, as it could leave you without the money you need to recover for the full extent of your losses.
Plaintiff attorneys who handle 18 wheeler accidents are paid contingency fees. They don't get paid until they win their case or reach a settlement. This means they have had to put aside their own money to pay for expenses for travel, court costs and expert witness fees all during the this case.
As you can imagine this can add up to a quite a lot. Many 18-wheeler plaintiff lawyers utilize settlement cash advances or lawsuit loans to pay for their legal costs out of pocket. This lets them get the money sooner.