Accidents involving 18-wheelers, also known as semi-trucks or big rigs, can have devastating consequences. These massive vehicles carry tremendous weight, leading to severe injuries and property damage when accidents occur. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Chicago, you may wonder how long it will take to settle your case.
In this text, we’ll guide you through the various factors affecting the timeline of settling a significant truck accident claim, helping you understand what to expect. Contact our Chicago truck accident lawyer at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for more information, or call us at (312) 635-5400.
Understanding the Complexity of 18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheeler accidents are inherently more complicated than regular car accidents. This is due to several reasons:
- Severity of damages: Given the size and weight of these trucks, accidents often result in significant injuries and property damage. The more severe the accident, the more complex the case becomes, which can extend the timeline for settlement.
- Multiple parties involved: Unlike typical car accidents, where you usually deal with individual drivers, 18-wheeler accidents often involve numerous parties. These can include the truck driver, trucking company, and possibly even truck parts manufacturers if a malfunction is involved.
- Federal regulations: Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict federal regulations, which can complicate the case. Understanding these regulations and proving any violations can take time.
An experienced Chicago personal injury attorney will be a valuable resource in helping you navigate complicated trucking cases.
Steps Involved in Settling an 18-Wheeler Accident Case
Now that we have established why these cases can be complex, let’s explore the typical steps involved in settling an 18-wheeler accident case and how long each step might take.
- Hiring an attorney: The first step is hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. Given the complexity of these cases, it’s crucial to have legal representation. Attorneys will guide you through the process, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. Finding and hiring an attorney can take time, but it’s vital to take your time with this step.
- Investigation: Once you have an attorney, the next step is the investigation. Your attorney will start gathering Evidence, including police reports, eyewitness testimony, truck driver logs, and inspection of the accident scene. This phase can take several months, depending on the accident’s complexity and the parties’ willingness to provide necessary documents.
- Medical evaluation and treatment: If you’re injured, you’ll need a comprehensive medical evaluation to understand the full extent of your injuries. Sometimes, injuries take time to manifest or heal, leading to ongoing treatment. It’s essential to wait until you understand the full impact of your injuries before settling, which can take several months to over a year.
- Negotiation: Once the investigation is complete and you have documented your injuries, your attorney will begin the negotiation process. This involves communicating with insurance companies and other liable parties. This step can take months, as trucking companies and insurers may initially contest your claims or offer lower settlements.
- Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case may proceed to litigation. This step can significantly extend the timeframe, potentially taking years. The litigation process includes discovery, pre-trial motions, and possibly a trial. Your attorney will advise you on the best course of action.
A competent attorney will be able to walk you through all of the above steps.
Factors That Affect Settlement Timeframe
Several factors can affect how long it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. Some of these include:
- Extent of injuries: Severe injuries often require extended medical treatment and evaluation, prolonging the process.
- Evidence availability: The speed at which you and your attorney can gather necessary Evidence impacts the timeline significantly.
- Insurance company responsiveness: Insurance companies may delay responding to claims as part of their negotiation strategy.
- Court backlog: If your case goes to trial, the court’s schedule could extend the timeline considerably.
The above are just some examples of factors that might affect how long an 18-wheeler case might take to settle.
Tips to Expedite Your 18-Wheeler Accident Case
While you might not be able to control all factors affecting the settlement timeline, there are some things you can do to help speed up the process:
- Promptly seek medical attention: This takes care of your health and provides the necessary documentation for your case.
- Gather evidence quickly: Provide your attorney with any evidence you have, such as photos, witness contact information, and police reports, as soon as possible.
- Stay in communication with your attorney: Regularly communicate with your lawyer to ensure you’re informed and the case moves forward.
- Be patient with medical treatment: Don’t rush your recovery process. Settling your case before understanding the full extent of your injuries can lead to inadequate compensation.
Following the above steps will ensure your case progresses as smoothly as possible.
Contact Our Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Settling an 18-wheeler accident case in Chicago can be a lengthy and complex process, taking anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on various factors. Understanding the process and working closely with a skilled attorney can help you navigate these challenges. While the timeline can seem daunting, building a solid case can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chicago 18-wheeler accident lawyers are here to provide the guidance and support you need through every stage of your case. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you on the road to recovery and justice.