How Long Does It Take to Settle An 18-Wheeler Accident Case?

They call them “whales” on the highway for a reason. When an 18-wheeler semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the sheer force can be catastrophic. If you have been involved in an accident with a semi, you’re likely dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost income from missed work.

But as devastating as the physical and emotional impact has been, you may be in for another heavy hit – the realization that winning fair compensation drags out much longer than you’d hope. Trucking companies and their legal teams know every loophole to delay paying what victims deserve.

Between gathering evidence, calculating future costs, and battling corporate denial, it can take between a few months to well over a year to settle many semi-truck accident cases.

Why is it Taking So Long to Settle My Truck Accident Claim?

Truck crash cases are unique, and several circumstances may affect the time it takes for parties to settle.

Injury Severity

If you’ve suffered injuries that require extensive medical treatment and a lengthy recovery period, your case may take longer to settle. Your attorney will likely wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before negotiating a settlement to ensure that your award accounts for all medical expenses and future care needs.

Case Complexity

Cases involving multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance providers, can be more complex and time-consuming to settle. Additionally, liability disputes or conflicting accounts of how the semi-truck accident occurred may prolong the process.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out in settlements. When the insurer becomes uncooperative or offers you an unreasonably low settlement, your personal injury attorney may need to file a lawsuit and proceed with litigation, which can extend the timeline of your case.

Evidence Strength

Building a solid case with compelling evidence takes time. Your injury lawyer must conduct a thorough truck accident investigation, gather police reports, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to establish liability and damages. The more solid your evidence, the more likely you are to reach a favorable settlement promptly.

Key Phases of a Truck Accident Injury Case You Should Know

While the duration of a truck accident settlement can vary greatly, most cases follow a similar general timeline.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

In the immediate aftermath of your accident, your priority should be seeking medical attention and focusing on your recovery. This period can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the severity of your injuries.

Attorney Hiring and Case Investigation

After being involved in a truck accident, don’t wait to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer. You’ll want them on the case immediately to investigate the accident scene and examine the truck itself while evidence is still available.

Delaying until after your recovery could allow critical details to disappear. Once the initial investigation is complete, your attorney can then move into the discovery phase and start building a strong claim for your compensation. Getting qualified legal representation on board right from the start protects the integrity of your case.

Demand Letter and Negotiations

After thoroughly investigating your case, your personal injury lawyer will submit a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages and the compensation you’re seeking. Negotiations with insurance adjusters will follow, which can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case and the willingness of the insurer to settle.

Lawsuit and Litigation

Your advocate may recommend filing a truck accident lawsuit when settlement negotiations fail. This process can add several months to the timeline of your case, as it involves additional steps such as filing pre-trial motions, depositing, and going to trial.

On average, an 18-wheeler accident settlement can take months, years, or more to resolve. However, a study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that the median time from filing a lawsuit to resolution was about 27.5 months for civil cases in state courts.

Now, remember that these stats are just averages, and your truck accident case may settle faster or take longer, depending on your unique circumstances. Your personal injury attorney can provide you with a more specific estimate based on the details of your claim.

The Importance of Patience and Communication During Your Truck Accident Claim

Settling a truck accident claim is a lengthy and emotionally challenging process. You may feel frustrated and eager for a quick settlement. However, you must remain patient and trust in your attorney’s expertise.

The primary goal of every personal injury law firm is to secure the best possible outcome for their clients, which means building a solid case, negotiating with insurers, and, if necessary, preparing litigation. Rushing this process or accepting a low settlement offer often results in insufficient compensation for your damages and long-term needs.

Throughout the settlement timeline, your injury attorney will inform you of any case developments and provide guidance on the best course of action. Your legal counsel will openly communicate with you where you may voice any frustrations or questions you may have as your personal injury claim moves through the settlement process.

Keep Your Truck Accident Claim on Track With Miley Legal

Many factors influence how long the lawsuit takes to settle, and each case is unique. An experienced truck accident lawyer can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let your case drag on unnecessarily – take action now and contact a trusted personal injury law firm to discuss your options.

Miley Legal in West Virginia encourages you to share your experiences and seek guidance during this challenging time. Our experienced injury attorneys are ready to listen to you and provide you with the support and legal representation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation and receive the information you need to make informed decisions about moving forward. Take the first step towards securing justice and compensation by calling us today.