How Long Does it Take to Settle a Semi-Truck Accident?
Posted in Truck Accidents on March 17, 2021
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of a truck company or truck driver, you may be entitled to various types of compensation for your losses. However, truck accident claims can become complicated and time-consuming.
Here, we want to discuss how long it may take for a victim to recover the compensation they are entitled to. Much of this will depend on whether or not it becomes necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit in order for the victim to recover the compensation they need.
Most Truck Accident Claims are Resolved Through Insurance Carriers
The vast majority of semi-truck accident claims will be resolved through settlements with insurance carriers. However, it is important to point out that truck accident cases are much more challenging to resolve than accidents that only involve traditional passenger vehicles.
You can be sure that the trucking company will have aggressive insurance carriers on their side that will step in and fight to avoid having to pay out any claim. Additionally, a trucking company may employ assistance from attorneys who can help shield them from liability. This can extend the length of time it takes for a truck accident claim to reach a successful resolution.
Overall, truck accident victims can expect the insurance claims process to take weeks or even months to conclude. It will be necessary for all parties involved to conduct a complete investigation into the incident before a settlement offer can be made. Additionally, under no circumstances should any truck accident victim accept a settlement until after they have reached what their doctor considers maximum medical improvement. This could take some time.
A Personal Injury Lawsuit may be Necessary
If the insurance carrier of the trucking company refuses to offer a fair settlement or if they deny a claim altogether, it may be necessary for the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver and company. Unfortunately, when a truck accident claim enters the civil court process in Tennessee, the timeline for a successful resolution will be significantly extended.
That said, even after a personal injury lawsuit is filed, most truck accident claims are resolved before they go all the way to trial. When the lawsuit enters the civil court system, investigations will continue, and the discovery process will begin. This is the period of time when both sides exchange evidence with one another and have a chance to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Negotiations will continue, and attorneys may reach an agreement before a trial becomes necessary.
After a Tennessee truck accident lawsuit has been filed, it could take months or even years for the case to reach a successful resolution.
Will an Attorney Help the Case?
There should never be a time where a truck accident injury victim is handling these cases by themselves. The deck is simply stacked against them when it comes to dealing with aggressive insurance carriers and the truck company’s legal team. However, a skilled Nashville, Tennessee truck accident attorney can level the playing field by providing resources and legal expertise to take on these other parties.