A Big Rig Accident Lawyer Can Help Quicken the Process
There is no magic figure or number to answer this question. The time it will take to get a truck accident settlement depends on several variables and only an experienced tractor trailer accident lawyer will give you a more accurate estimate. In this article, we will look at some of the variables that a skilled lawyer will take into account to make an estimate. You should remember that this list of variables is not exhaustive and that every case is unique. This means that you are better off taking advice from a professional (an advocate) than from friends, insurance adjusters or any other party that might not have your best interests.
Factors that determine how long your tractor trailer accident settlement will take:
1. How severe your injuries are:
The more severe your injuries, the higher the compensation you will need and the more likely your case will go to court. If your attorney ends up filing a lawsuit, your case will take a while to settle.
2. Time taken to complete investigations:
Unlike typical passenger car crashes, tractor trailer accidents take a little longer to solve. There could be many factors involved in tractor trailer accidents. The problem might have even been caused by lack of proper maintenance or a faulty truck component (perhaps the brakes). Such investigations will take longer to complete. And you will have to wait for the investigations to be completed so as to establish who exactly is or are the defendants you will be suing.
3. Negotiations:
There are many variables that determine how long a case will take. They include: liability investigation findings; medical treatment costs and summary; and available insurance. The negotiations will be completed faster if liability is clearly determined. Still, the offer might be too low for you, which means your tractor trailer accident lawyer will have to go back to the negotiations table.
4. Lawsuit:
If your lawyer and the defendant (the driver’s/ trucking company’s insurance firm) cannot agree on a figure during negotiations, your tractor trailer accident lawyer will file a lawsuit. Your claim will take even longer to settle if taken before a court of law. The good thing is that anything mentioned in court is binding unless the defendant appeals. Nobody wants that kind of negative press! The insurer will definitely settle.
Important information
You should know that there is a two-year statute of limitations in most states for accident and injury cases. This means you will lose your right to sue forever if you don’t file a lawsuit within the first 24 months from the time you were in the accident.
Summary
As you can see, there are so many factors that influence how fast or slow your accident claim will be settled. However, you do not need to worry about all these specifics if you hire a good tractor trailer accident lawyer. He or she will give you a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case. Contact us now and we will get our dedicated legal staff to work on your case. They will work with you to make sure you get the maximum possible settlement faster than you think.
