If you were injured in a Missouri semi-truck accident that was not your fault, you should never have to wait for compensation. After all, you may need the money from a settlement to pay off your medical debt or seek better treatment. However, commercial vehicle accident claims can take time to resolve. You may have to wait weeks, months, or even years to receive what you are owed.
How Long Most Truck Accident Cases Take to Settle
Nobody can tell you how long it will take to settle your claim. Even if you hire an attorney, they will be reluctant to provide an estimate. After all, personal injury lawsuits can be complicated. In most cases, the other party—be it a truck driver, trucking company, or insurance carrier—wants to settle for as little money as possible. Oftentimes, they will do everything in their power to deny your claim.
Since the trucking company and its insurer may not negotiate in good faith, your case could be dependent on the quality of your legal counsel.
However, there are several different factors that could impact how quickly your case is resolved. They include:
- The quality and availability of evidence. Your attorney will review law enforcement reports, surveillance camera footage, and your own documentation to assemble a compelling argument for damages. If there is an abundance of evidence, the insurance company may be quicker to offer a fair settlement. This is because court cases can be dangerous for insurance companies, as they cannot control the damages a judge or jury may award.
- The extent of your injuries. If you were very seriously hurt, it could take longer to settle your case. Your attorney may need to consult experts to calculate the value of your claim, especially if your injuries demand long-term care or assistive medical services. Since serious injury claims are usually worth the most money, the insurance company might fight hard to preserve its profits.
- The number of potential defendants. Your attorney will help you identify potential defendants in your claim. Truck-related accidents often involve wrongdoing on several different levels. You may have to file lawsuits against the truck driver, their employer, a cargo shipper or receiver, or even a vehicle parts manufacturer. While having multiple defendants bolsters your chances of making a successful legal recovery, it also means that the involved parties will probably try offloading the blame onto one another.
- If you hired a lawyer. Trucking companies and insurance carriers usually will not entertain serious negotiations with accident victims. You always stand your best chance at making a full legal recovery when you hire an experienced Missouri truck accident attorney.
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