How Long Does a Truck Accident Claim Take to Settle?
There is no set time limit for how long it may take to reach a fair settlement in your truck accident case. Because each case is so different, it is difficult to even calculate the average time it takes for accident victims to receive a payout from the insurance company.
While it may be possible to recover an out-of-court settlement, you may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit and bring your case to trial if the insurance company does not make you a fair offer. This may require additional time.
Many personal injury law firms understand that clients need money as soon as possible and may have concerns about how long a truck accident claim takes to settle. This is why representation on a contingency-fee-basis is common among personal injury lawyers. This allows a client to hire a lawyer with no upfront payments due.
Factors That Affect the Time It May Take to Reach a Settlement
A truck accident case can have a lot of complex parts. Factors that could play a role in how long it may take you or your lawyer to build a case, engage in settlement negotiations, and reach a settlement include:
- When you contact a lawyer and how quickly they begin their investigation
- The complexity of your truck accident case, including proving fault and liability
- The severity of your injuries, your diagnosis process, and the steps required to understand your future care needs
- The time it takes to work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and others who may be able to provide evidence in your case
- The speed at which the insurance company responds to your demand for a fair settlement
If you cannot reach a fair agreement with the insurance carrier and decide to take your case to trial, this could extend the wait. Preparing for trial, navigating pre-trial discovery and motions, and getting on the trial docket all take time.
An Investigation Into Your Accident May Take Time
Whether you decide to navigate your case on your own or whether you partner with a personal injury law firm makes a difference in how long it takes to reach a settlement. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer, in some instances, may help you resolve your case sooner.
Sometimes insurance companies make accident victims a quick, lowball settlement offer that does not represent all the types of damages they may be eligible to receive. Signing-off on such an offer could prevent victims from recovering further compensation in the future.
When you work with an attorney, they can typically investigate your case fully, uncovering evidence to show fault, liability, and the value of your losses. Of course, this takes time. However, it may ensure that you understand the value of your case.
The steps in gathering evidence may include:
- Preserving, obtaining, and analyzing evidence from the trucking company
- Requesting copies of the police report, your medical records, and other documents
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with experts as necessary
- Proving your expenses and losses
A Legal Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit
If there is some reason why the insurance carrier will not give you a fair payout, you can file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. This may prolong the time it takes for you to potentially recover compensation.
Each state’s statute of limitations gives accident victims a general deadline by which to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. If you allow this legal time limit to expire before you take action, your lawsuit could be dismissed.
Distasio Law Firm May Be Able to Help You
If you were injured in a truck accident, Distasio Law Firm may be able to help you pursue compensation. We offer free case evaluations for truck accident victims. Reach out to us as soon as you can after your accident injuries begin to heal, and we may be able to help you understand how long your truck accident claim could take to settle.
Call Distasio Law Firm today at (813) 259-0022 to get started. We offer our clients representation on a contingency-fee-basis and may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
As an ethical and trusted personal injury lawyer, Scott Distasio founded Distasio Law Firm in February of 2006, which focuses on all types of personal injury cases. He wanted to open a law firm that represented his belief that all firms should provide ethical and outstanding service to their clients.
