How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?
Quick Answer
Commercial truck accident timelines vary. High-stakes cases often 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 Stability: We cannot settle until you have reached "Maximum Medical Improvement" (MMI) to ensure future costs are covered.
The 3 Phases of Delay
- Investigation (1-3 Months): Securing the vehicle, downloading data, and interviewing witnesses.
- Treatment & Negotiation (3-9 Months): Treating your injuries while we negotiate with the insurance carrier.
- Litigation (12-24 Months):If they refuse a fair offer, we file a lawsuit, which starts the court's clock.
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Attorney review can help identify the records, deadlines, medical issues, and coverage questions that may affect the timeline.
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