10 Unexpected 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Tips
How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18 Wheeler Lawsuit?
The time it takes to settle a truck crash case varies from one to the next. There are a number of variables that can affect the timeline of settlement.
For instance, it could take time to determine who is liable for the accident. A lawyer can help you determine the responsible parties and maximize the settlement.
What to Expect
The time frame for settlement of an 18-wheeler lawsuit depends on a variety of factors, including liability and damages. The case may be delayed if the parties to the collision are not able to reach an agreement on who is responsible. If there is a dispute regarding the evidence or the testimony of witnesses, this may also delay the case.
Settlement amounts can vary greatly dependent on the severity of injuries and the insurance policy of the trucking company and the current state or federal regulations that govern commercial vehicles. It's important to remember that plaintiff attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning that they don't get paid unless they win or reach a settlement in the case.
Because of the severe and often catastrophic injuries that result from semi-truck accidents, it's no surprise that these cases are big business for the lawyers who represent them. In this way, it's not common for settlements in these cases to be millions of dollars or more. This is especially true if the trucking company is found to be negligent.
Liability
In the United States, there are more than 100,000 accidents each year involving 18-wheelers. Many of these truck accidents result in serious injuries, or even death. The majority of insurance companies lowball the victims of these accidents by offering settlements that do not reflect the extent of their injuries and the damages. However, a good attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels can level the playing field and negotiate with these big insurance companies in order to obtain their clients the highest settlements.
The defendants in a lawsuit against an 18-wheeler may be held liable for various damages, such as economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages could be a result of medical bills, lost wages and future earnings. Non-economic damages could include emotional distress, disfigurement or diminished quality of life.
Plaintiff attorneys who take part in 18 wheeler cases are paid on a contingency basis. This means that they don't get paid until the case is settled and they agree to a settlement with their client. In the meantime, they have to pay for court costs, conduct depositions, employ experts and other experts, travel and pay for other expenses associated with winning a case.
Damages
18 wheeler accidents can lead to severe injuries, particularly when they're high-speed accidents. Due to the size and weight of these trucks, the impact can be more devastating than a typical motor vehicle accident. The damage could be greater.
In addition to the medical and property damages that can be caused by an 18 wheeler crash victims can also receive compensation for the loss of their wages as well as the grief caused by the loss of loved ones. A personal injury lawyer can help determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to if you have suffered losses due to the crash of a semi-truck.
Litigation can be expensive. Attorneys representing plaintiffs must pay for travel, depositions, expert witnesses, and court costs. They require the funds of their clients as fast as they can. There are a variety of ways that plaintiffs can receive their funds faster after a settlement. These are known as post settlement advances, lawsuit loans, or settlement cash advances. They are a great method for injured parties to pay expenses while waiting for their settlement.
Timeline
A variety of factors affect the the time it takes to settle an accident case which involves a truck. The severity of your injuries is the primary factor.
18 wheeler accident attorney billings is crucial to wait until you have reached your maximum level of medical improvement before making a decision on settlement. You may be able claim future losses, like loss of wages or a lower standard of living. Your lawyer will have to present evidence to support your claims.
A dispute between two parties over the amount of liability or damages can delay the settlement process. This is often the case when there are several insurance companies involved, or if the parties are arguing about the who was responsible for the incident.
A reputable truck accident attorney can help you determine if the insurance company is willing to pay an amount that is fair and if it will be able to cover your future and current damages. If the insurance company isn't willing to negotiate, you might need to file a lawsuit that could prolong the duration of the lawsuit. In some cases, it could take at least a year to resolve the case.
Settlement
There are a variety of factors which can significantly extend the timeline it takes for an 18 wheeler lawsuit to settle. The extent of the injuries and insurance considerations are two aspects that could affect the timeframe. It can also take time for your doctor to provide evidence of permanent impairments that could impact your future losses. Do not settle an injury claim too quickly as it may leave you without a sufficient amount to cover your full range damages.
Attorneys who represent plaintiffs in 18-wheeler crashes are paid on a contingency fee basis and do not get paid unless they win or reach an agreement. They have to pay for court costs as well as travel expenses and expert witness fees throughout the course of the case.

As you can imagine this can add up to quite a large amount. Many 18-wheeler plaintiff lawyers employ settlement cash advances, or lawsuit loans to pay for the legal expenses they incur out of pocket. This lets them receive the funds earlier.