How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?
Quick Answer
Commercial truck accident timelines vary. Serious cases may take longer than ordinary car-wreck claims because medical stability, federal records, multiple defendants, and coverage issues may need careful review.
While every case is different, trucking litigation follows a different timeline than a typical fender bender. The timeline often turns on medical stability, records, coverage, defendants, expert review, and how prepared the parties are for litigation.
Why Does It Take Longer?
- •Multiple Defendants: We may need to evaluate the driver, motor carrier, broker, trailer owner, loader, shipper, or maintenance provider.
- •Electronic Evidence: Extracting and analyzing "Black Box" (ECM) data takes time and expert analysis.
- •Medical Course: Prognosis and future-care information may affect claim evaluation. Resolving a claim before those issues are understood can create a risk that later needs are not reflected.
Common Timeline Stages
- Investigation: Identifying record holders, evaluating vehicle and electronic data, and interviewing available witnesses.
- Medical and Claim Evaluation: Reviewing treatment, prognosis, claimed losses, insurance coverage, and any settlement discussions.
- Litigation, if Filed: Pleadings, discovery, motions, experts, court scheduling, mediation, and trial preparation can add time. The schedule depends on the court and the case.
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