Semi Truck Accident Settlement

Unfortunately, semi-truck accident settlements can be quite complicated. Most serious accidents require the legal prowess of an experienced lawyer to prove damages and argue for necessary compensation, but that expertise is particularly important in a semi-truck accident case.

Because semi-truck drivers typically operate as independent contractors, they often carry their own insurance policy, separate from their carrier’s. Determining who is liable for damages among these different entities can be quite complicated.

Commercial carriers and drivers are also required to abide by state and/or federal regulations, which can play a role in your case. For instance, 18-wheeler truck drivers are legally required to take breaks at regular intervals. When drivers don’t follow these rules — or when employers train or encourage them not to — it may impact your settlement.

The commercial driving industry is also known for problems with alcohol and drug abuse, dangerous driving, and other negligence that may play a part in your case. Additionally, the severity of your injuries, the cost to treat them, and their impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones will also affect any potential settlement.

As with all cases, the answer to this question varies depending on the specific details of your unique case. A variety of factors can affect how long it takes to achieve a settlement in a semi-truck accident case, including:

• The number of people injured in the case. Case complexity can certainly be a factor in how long it may take to settle a case. As with other types of cases, tractor-trailer truck accident cases can potentially involve many injured parties, which makes the case more complex. Cases involving more than one person will take much longer than an accident only involving one person.
• The process of proving liability. Semi-truck drivers and the companies they work for are often backed by powerful insurance companies that often try to place at least a portion of liability on the victim. In these cases it’s extremely important to have an experienced attorney conduct a thorough investigation to prove liability, and this process can take time.
• The severity of injury. Severe injuries often take much longer to diagnose and treat than minor injuries. In addition, more serious injuries have more impact on your overall livelihood and long-term health. To ensure that you and your family are taken care of in the event of severe injuries, your lawyer will likely have to take time to thoughtfully calculate all of your damages and losses.
• The compliance of other parties. In semi-truck accident cases, there are a variety of parties and insurance companies involved. Often, the time it takes to settle a case greatly depends on how responsive those parties and companies are. If one or more parties are uncooperative, the length of your case can be extended.
• The litigation process and jury trial. Personal injury cases such as semi truck accident cases rarely go to trial. However, there is often a negotiation process that your lawyer and the at-fault party’s legal team will go through. Ideally, this yields a sufficient settlement; however, if a settlement can’t be reached there will be a trial by jury, which often can take a significant amount of time.

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