If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, you likely want to know how long it will take to settle your claim. Many plaintiffs ask this question because insurance companies are known for trying to convince victims to settle their claims quickly. This works to the advantage of the insurance company and is rarely advantageous for the injured party.
A settlement that happens too quickly could adversely impact your likelihood of getting all the money you need for medical treatment and time missed from work. Unfortunately, it may take a while to settle your case, so there’s no definite answer to this question. However, there are some important factors to consider.
Hiring a Lawyer
Even if you hire a personal injury attorney, this may not accelerate the processing of your claim. Once the insurance company knows you’ve hired a lawyer, the company will change its tactics to get you to accept a settlement offer faster.
The insurance company may intentionally take a while to settle the case with the hope that you’ll get frustrated and take their low offer. This is because insurance companies know you’re more likely to get the larger settlement you deserve if you have a lawyer on your side. Once you’ve selected an attorney, the time it takes to settle the claim will depend on a few things, including a liability investigation.
What Is a Liability Investigation?
It’s common for insurance companies to place some of the blame for the accident on the victim, even if you are not at fault. So, your lawyer and the trucking company, truck driver, and insurance company begin the process of liability claim investigations.
In many cases, your lawyer will place a “hold” on the truck involved in the accident to ensure the evidence stays in place. This gives your attorney time to thoroughly investigate for damage to the truck and to search for defects.
This investigation can increase the time you’ll have to wait for a settlement. However, the investigation will also reveal important details that will ensure you receive the money you deserve for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
Semi-Truck Insurance
Semi-trucks often carry insurance coverage valued at $1 million or more. This is why the insurance company will try to defend the trucking company and driver during an accident case. Since the policy for a semi-truck is much higher than a conventional vehicle, several defendant policies may exist.
For instance, if the commercial truck insurance policy for the semi-truck is $1 million, the trucking company may have several $1 million policies that cover the trailer of the truck.
Since the damages in a semi-truck accident are usually severe, your lawyer will work to find all sources of recovery for you. This is why investigations for semi-truck accidents can sometimes take longer than other vehicle accident cases.
Trial or Litigation
If your lawyer and the insurance company can’t agree on a settlement after the investigation and taking your medical bills into account, you’ll need to file a lawsuit. Remember there are regulations and statute of limitation laws that are specific to your state, so make sure you file as soon as you can.
If you don’t file your lawsuit or settle your claim within the required timeframe, you won’t ever be able to bring your case to court. Your lawyer will explain all the deadlines to you so you’ll be prepared if you have to bring your case before a judge.
A truck accident lawyer can build the case while the victim is still getting medical care. This means you can focus on healing while your attorney works with the insurance and trucking companies to ensure you are fairly compensated.
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