After being involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you may be wondering how long it will take to resolve a truck accident case.
The short answer is, “It depends.” Several factors can influence the timeline of a truck accident case; and, while some of these factors will be within your control, others will not. With this in mind, it is important to do everything you can to ensure that the process is as efficient as possible, and this starts with putting an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side.
How Long Do Most Truck Accident Cases Take?
As a general rule, recovering just compensation for a truck accident can take anywhere from a few months to well over a year. If there is no dispute regarding liability, it may be possible to obtain a favorable settlement relatively quickly (though you will still need to work closely with your lawyer to carefully calculate the accident’s long-term financial and non-financial costs). On the other hand, if the at-fault party’s insurance company disputes liability, you may need to take your case to court—and this can extend the timeline significantly.
It is also important to keep in mind that resolving your case quickly won’t necessarily be in your best interests. Truck accidents can lead to significant financial and non-financial costs; and, while you may want a quick resolution, it is more important to focus on recovering the full compensation you deserve. Even if this means dealing with your case for a while longer, it will ultimately be in your (and your family’s) best interests to make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What Are the Factors that Will Influence the Timeline of Your Case?
So, what are the factors that will influence the timeline of your truck accident case? While every case presents unique challenges, some examples of factors that may impact your case include:
1. The Cause (or Causes) of the Accident
While some truck accident cases are fairly straightforward, others can be extremely complex. The complexity of your case will play a major role in determining the overall timeline. Identifying the cause (or causes) of your accident will be a key first step toward assessing your legal rights and determining what it will take to recover the compensation you deserve.
2. The Company (or Companies) Involved
Determining the cause (or causes) of your truck accident will also allow your lawyer to determine what company (or companies) are responsible for your accident-related losses. Different companies handle truck accident cases differently, and disputes between companies regarding liability can add to the duration of the process. However, if you have claims against multiple companies, this can also help to maximize your chances of recovering full compensation.
3. The Extent of Your Financial and Non-Financial Costs
The more you are entitled to recover, the more difficult it can be to recover the full compensation you deserve. This is an unfortunate reality of the truck accident claim process. The company (or companies) involved in your case will do everything they can to avoid liability—and, the more they have at stake, the harder they will fight to avoid paying the full amount they owe.
4. The Evidence that Is Available to Prove Your Legal Rights
When you have a truck accident claim, evidence is the key to recovering just compensation. This applies to both liability (what company (or companies) are responsible for the accident) and damages (how much you are entitled to recover). The more evidence your lawyer is able to collect, the greater your chances will be of securing an efficient and favorable out-of-court settlement.
5. Whether You Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer to Represent You
With all of this in mind, it is extremely important to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. While there are no guarantees, hiring an experienced lawyer will help give you the best chance of recovering just compensation as quickly as possible. In addition to collecting the evidence needed to prove your legal rights, your lawyer can also negotiate for a favorable settlement on your behalf, and your lawyer can make clear that you are prepared to fight for just compensation in court if necessary.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Rogers, AR About Your Case for FREE
Do you have a truck accident case? If you think you may be entitled to financial compensation for an 18-wheeler collision in Arkansas, we encourage you to contact us promptly. When it comes to truck accident cases, not all firms are equal. You need an attorney with the knowledge, skill, and resources necessary to take on big trucking companies and their insurers.
The accomplished truck accident lawyers at Oliver Law Firm have a proven record of success handling these difficult cases. We are committed to helping our clients recover the maximum compensation to which they may be entitled under the law.
Contact Oliver Law Firm today online or at 479-202-5200 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients throughout Arkansas and throughout the United States from our office in Rogers, AR.
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