How Long Does It Take To Settle an 18-Wheeler Accident Case in Missouri?
Ryan Bradley | October 27, 2022 | Truck Accident
Claims for car accidents are markedly more difficult and complicated than truck accident claims. While you are likely anxious to settle your 18-wheeler accident case to pay medical bills, make up for lost wages, and get back on your feet, patience is key to securing fair compensation for your case.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Why a Fast Settlement Isn’t Always the Best Outcome
If you receive a quick settlement offer following a truck accident, you might be pleasantly surprised at first. However, a quick settlement usually means that the insurance company is trying to give you a lowball settlement that does not adequately compensate you for your accident injuries.
Often, a quick settlement is offered to try to get you to agree to an unreasonable amount before you have a chance to consult a personal injury lawyer.
Once you accept a settlement offer, you cannot later go back and request more money, even if you find out you were injured more severely than you first thought or the settlement wasn’t enough to cover your medical expenses, let alone the lost earnings and other long-term consequences of suffering serious injuries.
For these reasons, it is usually best to wait for a fair settlement and to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer before accepting any offer.
Factors That Can Delay a Truck Accident Settlement
There are several factors that can potentially delay your settlement, such as:
The Accident Was Severe
Accidents involving trucks can cause more carnage and possible danger to others because of their massive size and the hazardous materials trucks may be carrying. When the accident is more severe, more vehicle damage, more severe injuries, and fatalities can occur. This can increase the amount of time necessary to investigate the crash.
A Thorough Investigation Is Necessary
Truck accident claims are often much more complex than typical car accident claims and will take longer to investigate than such claims. In some situations, the National Transportation Safety Board may conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, which can lengthen the time it takes to resolve your claim.
There may be several parties at fault for an accident, including:
- Truck drivers who fail to follow the rules and regulations
- Trucking companies that fail to maintain their fleet properly or obey regulations
- Mechanics who perform subpar maintenance
- Manufacturers who produced or designed defective auto parts
- A third-party company that loaded cargo in a negligent manner
- Other motorists who drove negligently
The trucking industry is highly regulated.
Violating any particular regulation could have contributed to the accident, such as:
- Working beyond the permitted hours of service
- Failing to test drivers for alcohol or drug use
- Not keeping driving logs up-to-date and accurate
- Failing to secure loads properly
- Not conducting a pre-trip inspection
- Failing to check the driver’s background before hiring them
Establishing liability in a truck accident case can be very complicated without the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
You Suffered Severe Injuries
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than typical passenger vehicles, leaving occupants in the smaller vehicles in a vulnerable position in case a crash occurs. This disparity often results in serious injuries for passenger vehicle occupants.
Before accepting any settlement offer, you should have a clear understanding of the following:
- The extent of your injuries
- How long you will take to recover
- What expenses you can anticipate incurring
- The long-term impact of your injuries
A truck accident lawyer can advise you whether any settlement will cover the costs you will incur.
The Insurance Company Delays the Settlement
Insurance companies are for-profit entities that maximize their profits by denying or minimizing the value of claims as much as possible while raking in more money through premiums. They may use various tactics to try to minimize your settlement, such as unnecessarily delaying the process because they know you are anxious to receive your settlement check.
Your Case Heads To Trial
Sometimes the only way to show you are serious about your case is by filing a lawsuit, especially if the insurance company is denying your claim or only offering a lowball settlement. However, litigating your case can add months or years to the process.
A St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With Your Truck Accident Settlement
If you were hurt in a truck accident, a lawyer can advise you whether it is in your best interest to accept a settlement offer. Additionally, lawyers know how to expedite your claim without sacrificing the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm For Help Today
For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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1430 Washington Ave Suite #226 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 400-0000
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1509 NE Parvin Rd, Suite A., Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 408-3448
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