How Long Does it Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim

time settle trucking claim

Written by Jeremy D. Earle, JD

January 11, 2023

Specialized Colorado Springs Trucking Accident Law Firm

Commercial trucks in Colorado Springs are allowed to carry up to 80,000 pounds on eighteen conventional wheels. When we drive by these massive trucks on the road, we all become a bit nervous—and with good cause. Each year, semi-truck accidents claim the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people on our roads. A truck accident in Colorado Springs requires the skill and care of experienced nationwide truck accident lawyers.

Those who are fortunate enough to survive a truck crash in Colorado Springs or elsewhere in Colorado are often not lucky enough to avoid injuries. The healing process after a truck collision may be challenging in many ways. That is why we offer a free consultation to guide you to getting fair compensation.

Still, one obstacle that many victims underestimate is the amount of time it takes to resolve a truck accident lawsuit. At the very least, you will be left to navigate a truck accident claim, which can be very difficult and stressful. The trucking company will do everything they can to make it more difficult.

Truck accident claims and trucking lawsuits tend to drag on for a long time. These include anything from expensive insurance coverage to major injuries and everything in between. If you or a loved one has been wounded in a semi-truck accident, you may be curious about why it takes so long to settle a truck accident case—and how an expert truck accident lawyer can help.

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COMMON SETTLEMENT QUESTIONS

“How long will it take to settle my commercial truck accident claim?” is one of the most typical inquiries semi-truck accident victims have following their medical recovery. The most important thing to do it get proper medical treatment.

Related Article: What to Know If You’ve Been Involved in a Truck Accident

You May Have Been Waiting A Long Time

Your injury lawyer may have pressed you to wait until you’ve fully recovered medically before pursuing a settlement. For various reasons, this is conventional advice; yet, it will almost certainly make you impatient to complete the claim procedure by the time you recuperate.

The Insurance Company Is Putting Pressure On You

We’re all aware of the pressure that insurance companies put on us when a claim is questioned. Agents from insurance companies may put pressure on you to settle your claim. Even if you’re still gravely hurt, get help as soon as possible.

Nobody can tell you how long your accident lawsuit will take to resolve. Estimation is hard since there are so many variables at play throughout the settlement process. It’s completely possible that your attorney won’t be able to help you with this.

IS IT TRUE THAT IF MY CASE INVOLVES A SEMI-TRUCK, IT WILL TAKE LONGER TO SETTLE?

We cannot predict how long a case will take to resolve. The answer to this question varies depending on the circumstances. Regardless of the kind of vehicle involved, some situations contain complicated legislation or strange circumstances that prolong the settlement process. Others may be able to calm down fast and effortlessly.

A trucking accident lawsuit may take longer to resolve than a conventional vehicle collision case for a variety of reasons. The same is true for a truck accident claim:

The trucking company may be covered by various insurance plans, resulting in more severe damages.

The kinds of injuries sustained and the medical treatment required as a consequence of the collision

My settlement’s quickness seems to be too good to be true.

It most likely is. If you haven’t already done so, now is an excellent time to contact a reputable trucking accident injury lawyer.

Many semi-truck accident victims are surprised to learn that they are granted settlements far sooner than they expected. This isn’t because the insurance company is attempting to assist them. Insurance firms jump at the potential to cut accident costs; thus, these settlements are pushed. The lower the government can push the settlement, the fewer losses have been accounted for.

Some agents attempt to take advantage of the victims’ lack of knowledge about insurance legislation. They may just hurry to settle since they know the victim is unlikely to have engaged an attorney at this point.

Accepting a settlement offer without first consulting a lawyer is a bad idea. Personal injury and insurance law are complicated areas, and a hasty settlement offer is sometimes not in the beneficiary’s best interests.

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING TRUCKS ARE COMMON

Truck collisions are unfortunately prevalent on American highways. In 2018, more than 4,000 individuals were killed in heavy vehicle collisions throughout the country, with trucks accounting for a considerable share of those killed. Make sure you begin medical treatment right away.

The type of accident is one of the first criteria that influences your truck accident compensation. Different types of truck incidents result in various injuries and, in certain circumstances, compensation procedures.

The following are some instances of frequent truck accident claim types:

Jackknife Accidents With A Commercial Truck

Jackknife collisions are common on icy roads, but they may also happen when a semi-truck driver tries to turn too rapidly. This often leads to drifting off the road or crashing into neighbouring cars and objects.

Rollover Collisions

Rollover collisions are exactly what they sound like. Rollovers are very common in semi-trucks. Drivers who swerve or stop too rapidly risk causing a rollover, crushing neighbouring cars and things.

Factors that may have an impact How Long Does a Semi-Truck Accident Take to Resolve?

Regardless of your innocence, the liability investigation process may begin.

Insurance firms often attempt to assign blame for the event to the victim. Even when the victims have no responsibility, this happens. Assigning blame is the first step in a procedure involving the insurance company and the victim’s attorney.

This is a long and difficult procedure. Your lawyer and the insurance company will usually communicate back and forth to decide even the smallest specifics.

Semi-trucks are more likely to have large insurance policies

This might influence how your truck accident attorney handles your case. Remember that if you get into a collision with a semi-truck, the world of insurance you’ll be dealing with is very different from that of a typical consumer vehicle insurance policy.

Many semi-trucks have insurance policies that start at $1 million. From there, it’s common for policies to rise. The ordinary insurance adjuster is already concerned with defending their client and safeguarding their business. Consider the extent to which adjusters will go to safeguard large coverage amounts like this.

In the event of a commercial vehicle accident, several entities or individuals may be held liable.

Any car incident might result in many parties being held accountable. Accidents involving semi-trucks are no exception. Negligent drivers are at blame for a large number of collisions. These drivers may engage in various risky activities, such as speeding, driving while distracted, or driving while intoxicated.

Some semi-truck incidents, on the other hand, maybe traced directly to trucking businesses or service providers:

Trucking companies are frequently held liable for semi-truck accidents; they may show negligence by: requesting that drivers falsify logs o forcing drivers to work beyond the legally mandated maximum number of hours o requiring drivers to operate vehicles in hazardous conditions, o retaining drivers who have shown negligence or been involved in multiple accidents

Mechanics and firms that undertake truck maintenance may be held accountable for accidents; incorrect maintenance can result in fatalities.

Unresolved Mechanical Issues and Poor Repairs

As your case advances, keep these considerations in mind. At some point throughout the procedure, your lawyer may decide to explore these possibilities of culpability. When it comes to irresponsibility involving their personnel and equipment, trucking businesses are among the worst offenders.

Your health influences the timing of your settlement.

A truck accident claim is a personal injury lawsuit, just like any other vehicle accident case. Most personal injury claims are only settled until the victim (or victims) has fully recovered. Many truck accident victims get serious injuries. Such injuries need proper healing time, which might lengthen the settlement process overall. A truck driver will often hide behind the trucking company.

Although it may be tough to wait until you have fully recovered before seeking compensation, doing so puts you in the best possible position. Once your injuries have been appropriately addressed, you and your attorney will have a thorough grasp of them.

On the other side, many truck accidents result in permanent damage or disability; thus, pursuing a settlement too soon may result in issues in court and a reduced claim value. In situations like these, determining the magnitude of your overall lifetime losses will need extensive research.

Negotiating with insurance companies might take a long time.

TRUCK ACCIDENT CLAIM ATTORNEY JEREMY D. EARLE, JD

We’ve all experienced the agony of waiting for insurance providers to respond or provide advice. Considering that semi-trucks often have hefty insurance premiums, it’s easy to understand how this delay may extend much further. The process of negotiating significant quantities of money is never simple.

The more serious your injuries were, the longer it would take to settle. It might be tough to demonstrate that every spending is justified. Before reaching an agreement, your lawyer may need to negotiate with the insurance company for some time.

TAKE THESE STEPS WITH THE HELP OF A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER

As you wait for a settlement, the days might drag on. Meanwhile, your truck accident lawyer may take the following actions to relieve stress and assist you in achieving complete financial, medical, emotional, and physical recovery:

Get In Touch With The Billing Offices Of Your Medical Providers

Nobody likes to deal with a case’s increasing or perplexing medical expenditures while trying to resolve it. You could be amazed at what you get if you or your lawyer contact the billing department of each medical institution you’ve visited. Many billing departments enable patients to negotiate payment arrangements tailored to their specific circumstances, or they may postpone payments while legal processes are continuing.

Check Your Employer’s Policies Twice

After a traumatic injury, you need to know where you stand at work. Consult your employer’s rules if you need to take sick leave, are concerned about your job, or seek any other comparable information. Many victims discover that they are eligible for benefits such as short-term disability to help reduce their financial responsibilities during this period, which a truck accident lawyer may assist them in obtaining.

Get in Touch with Creditors

Credit card bills and payments may be negotiable like your medical costs. Many victims and their lawyers engage with mortgage and vehicle lenders to simplify their most significant payments.

TIPS FOR A QUICKER SETTLEMENT IN A TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Some procedures may enable you to finish your settlement more quickly. Not every victim has the chance to complete each stage; for example, someone badly wounded in a car accident is unlikely to collect evidence at the site. However, if you can:

Gather As Much Evidence As Feasible As Soon As Possible

Having adequate and suitable evidence is one of the most helpful measures in speeding any lawsuit. The simplest method to do so is to collect as much evidence as possible as quickly as feasible. That means some evidence may be obtained on the spot, but others will almost certainly be collected later.

Seek Medical Treatment As Soon As Possible

Seeking medical help as soon as possible is not simply in your best interests in terms of your health. It may also help you save time when it comes to settling your claim. Quicker medical care may result in a better prognosis, more precise diagnosis, and various other benefits that make settlements easier.

Speak With A Reputable Trucking Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

The sooner you work with a reputable and caring personal injury attorney, the sooner you’ll be able to start laying the groundwork for a successful outcome. A skilled lawyer will guide you through the complicated legal procedure and fight for your rights in court. Any case will be significantly accelerated with this assistance.

INJURY ATTORNEYS ARE READY TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR TRUCKING ACCIDENT CLAIM

If you or a loved one was injured in a semi-truck accident, you are entitled to legal assistance in pursuing compensation. While no one can predict how long it will take to reach a settlement, your legal team should work tirelessly to ensure that you feel confident and empowered throughout the claims process.

One of the best ways to ensure you are aware and prepared for what comes next is to speak with an experienced semi-truck accident attorney. Get your free consultation today.

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