How Long Does A Truck Accident Claim Take To Settle?
Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. When these incidents occur, it can be difficult to navigate the resulting legal claims. The insurance companies or other defending parties often use tactics that could delay the resolution of your truck accident claim. Over the years, the Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Hall & Lampros, LLP have recovered $400 million in damages for our clients. If you want to learn more about how to pursue or settle truck accident claims, consider scheduling a consultation by calling 404-876-8100 to reach one of our experienced Decatur personal injury attorneys today.
Can You Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit From a Truck Accident?
When someone is involved in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligence, the injured party may be entitled to receive compensation for:
- Medical treatment for their injuries
- Damages, including the costs of repairing or replacing a vehicle
- Other losses resulting from the accident
Many times, these claims will fall under the category of personal injury law. Because of that, the victim may want to reach out to a personal injury lawyer to help them proceed with their claim. In order to get the strongest possible start on pursuing their claims, truck accident victims should make sure to understand the process, the timeline, and other factors that can affect the case outcome.
What Are the Steps To Process a Truck Accident Claim?
With medical expenses and mounting bills, accident victims often want to know how long the process will take. Specifically, they need to know the timeframe to receive a payout. Many times, this process follows the same progression, but each step may take more or less time based on the circumstances of the accident itself and the parties involved. Truck accident victims can expect to see a process that looks like:
- In-depth investigation: Any accident claim begins with an in-depth investigation to determine what happened, who was at fault, and the types of injuries and damages that occurred. .
- Determining liability: Establishing liability in truck accident cases can be difficult due to the complex regulations involving the transportation industry and the intersection between state and federal law relating to standards of care and negligence. Moreover, the size and weight of trucks often result in substantial injuries, which are defended against vigorously. .
- Filing the claim: Once all liable parties and their respective insurance companies have been identified, the claim is filed. This claim will be for the victim’s injuries and any property damage.
- Negotiations and settlement: Reaching a fair settlement during the negotiation process does require back-and-forth discussions and can take time.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the claim may proceed to litigation, extending the timeline.
Often, straightforward injury claims can take several months to resolve. More complex cases can stretch into years. By consulting with an experienced attorney, victims may be able to get a realistic estimate based on the specifics of the individual case..
How Long Does a Whiplash Claim Take?
Whiplash is a common truck accident injury characterized by neck pain and stiffness. According to the Mayo Clinic, a forceful, back-and-forth movement can lead to these neck injuries. Like other personal injury claims, the timeline for these cases can depend on:
- Medical evaluation: Seeking immediate medical help is important in these cases. The initial assessment and diagnosis set the foundation for the claim.
- Treatment and recovery: The treatment may involve physical therapy and ongoing medical care. As a result, the duration of a victim’s recovery can influence the overall timeline.
- Insurance review: After receiving treatment, the insurance company will review the medical records and expenses, often taking several weeks.
- Negotiations: The negotiation process for a whiplash claim, like other injury claims, can take time, especially if liability or settlement terms are disputed.
- Resolution: This case will often be resolved through negotiation or settlement. If not, it may proceed to litigation, prolonging the process.
A delay in any of these steps can extend the timeline to settle the claim. If you would like to learn more about this process, contact the legal team at Hall & Lampros, LLP.
Can I Speed Up the Truck Accident Claim Process?
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. However, you can take proactive steps to expedite the often-lengthy claims process. Individuals eager to see a truck accident claim resolved expeditiously can consider the following strategies:
Prompt Reporting: The clock starts ticking from the moment of the accident, according to the American Bar Association. In Georgia, the time limit for filing a claim is two years from the accident. The truck accident victim will need to report the incident to their insurance company to prevent unnecessary delays.
Document All Stages: Information can assist in any truck accident claim. Whether a truck accident or other motor vehicle accident, it is essential to take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Along with that, make sure to contact information from witnesses who can provide statements at a later date. Accident victims may want to keep a diary of their physical and emotional experiences following the accident.
Organize Medical Records and Bills: Medical treatment records are vital evidence in a personal injury claim. Accident victims will want to maintain organized records of all medical treatment, including hospital visits, doctor appointments, prescription medications, and therapy sessions. Always keep copies of medical bills and invoices as well. This documentation will support the truck accident claim and help expedite the process.
Consider Legal Representation: Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney who understands these claims maybe important. These attorneys are well-versed in the legal process and can navigate negotiations and paperwork on the victim’s behalf, potentially expediting the resolution of their claim.
Reach Out to Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
A truck accident claim, including whiplash claims, can be influenced by various factors. The timeline for receiving an injury claim payout or resolving a whiplash claim can vary widely. Patience, collaboration with professionals, and understanding of the process may all help you reach a successful outcome. Remember that every case is unique. Reaching out for legal advice may help you navigate the challenging terrain of these claims. Schedule a consultation with our Decatur personal injury attorneys at Hall & Lampros, LLP by calling 404-876-8100.
Chris has successfully represented numerous clients in catastrophic personal injury, employment law matters, class action, consumer protection, business tort, and legislative matters involving multi-million-dollar damages.