How Long Does it Take to Settle a Semi-Truck Accident Case?
March 28, 2019 | Truck Accidents
There are many elements involved with settling a semi-truck accident case. Some of the key factors to consider are, did the semi-truck driver cause the accident? Is more than one driver at fault in the crash? What caused the accident? And many other elements that have the potential to impact how long it takes to settle a semi-truck accident case. For an estimate on how long it will take to settle your semi-truck accident case, it’s best to consult an experienced lawyer for more information.
Most Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents
Every day, dozens of semi-truck accidents happen in the U.S. Whether due to speeding, distracted driving, drugs, alcohol, or other negligent behaviors, semi-truck accidents cause severe injuries and financial damages. The average semi-truck weighs over 80,000 pounds with a trailer and cargo, while the average passenger vehicle weighs 4,000 pounds. When a semi-truck driver is negligent and causes an accident, it’s more destructive than a standard car accident. The most common types of semi-truck accidents include:
- Jackknife accidents – when a semi-truck slides because of a slick patch of road, or attempts to turn too quickly, this can cause a semi-truck to jackknife and cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle and swerve off the road or hit other vehicles and objects in their path
- Rollover Accidents – semi-trucks can take a while to come to a complete stop. If a driver attempts to stop quickly or swerves during bad weather, this could easily result in a rollover accident
- Rear-end collisions – the sheer size of a semi-truck makes it difficult for them to stop quickly. If the driver in front of them stops suddenly or they didn’t notice a roadblock in time, this can cause a rear-end collision
- Bad weather accidents – when it snows or rains, roadways become slick and make it more difficult for semis to come to a complete stop and increases the likelihood of a bad weather accident happening due to the lack of traction on the road
- Truck defects accidents – if a truck has defective tires, parts, or cargo, this can cause a truck defects accident to occur
How Can I Settle My Semi-Truck Accident Quickly?
It can take months to settle a semi-truck accident. If you are in a semi-truck accident and want to settle quickly, the best way to make sure that there isn’t a delay is to gather as much evidence from the scene as you can. Collecting evidence after an accident preserves details from the crash and ensures that facts from the crash aren’t altered. If evidence isn’t gathered after an accident, this leaves room for the at-fault driver to pin the blame on you, or attempt to partly name you at fault in the accident to get you to accept a lower settlement. Other factors that delay how long it takes to settle a semi-truck accident case are unclear liability, lengthy negotiation, and unknown nature of injuries.
The best bet at settling a semi-truck accident as quickly as possible is gathering evidence from the scene, seeking prompt medical attention, and consulting an attorney about your case. Without guidance from a lawyer, it could take months to settle a semi-truck accident case, and even then, a lack of legal knowledge could be the difference in recovering a high or low settlement.
Speak with an Attorney Today About Settling a Semi-Truck Accident Case
If you are in a semi-truck accident and interested in settling your case, an attorney has the resources needed to reach the highest possible settlement. Settling a semi-truck accident case without an attorney by your side can result in thousands of dollars of missed damages if you aren’t careful. Most insurance companies refuse to offer high settlements to unrepresented cases and will use this to their advantage to offer you less than your case is worth. If you need an attorney to help you settle your semi-truck accident case, contact the Dixon Injury Firm today. Our attorneys can assess your case’s strengths and weaknesses, create a personalized plan, and negotiate for the most compensation for your pain and suffering.