While you may be anxious to resolve your claim for compensation following a truck crash, not even an experienced truck accident attorney can tell you exactly how long it will take. There are simply too many factors involved in the process.
Truck Crash Claims Can Take a Long Time to Resolve
Every truck crash claim is different, and the length of time to resolve these claims can vary. Due to the added complexities in these cases, they can take longer to complete than car accident cases. Here are some of the factors that can affect how long yours may take:
- Severity of your injuries. If you suffered serious injuries in the truck accident, your medical treatment could take many months. You will need to wait until you reach your maximum medical improvement in order to know the full cost of your injuries. This way, you can be certain that all of your future medical and wage loss expenses are included in your settlement.
- Investigation process. Your attorney will need to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your truck accident. This can include inspecting the damage to the truck, reviewing the police report, and obtaining numerous documents from the trucking company about the truck’s load, truck maintenance, truck driver qualifications, hours the driver went without a break, and more. Obtaining and reviewing this evidence can take time, especially if the trucking company is not cooperative.
- Disputes about liability. If there are disputes as to who was at fault in causing your wreck, this can delay your settlement. Your lawyer may need to retain an accident reconstruction expert or collect other evidence to convince the insurance adjuster of the trucker’s and trucking company’s liability. If liability is clear cut, your settlement may be completed more quickly.
- Negotiations. Negotiations with the insurance company can be lengthy. If you suffered catastrophic injuries or a loved one died, they may fight harder and longer to try to deny your claim or reduce the amount of your settlement.
- Litigation. Your attorney will need to file a civil lawsuit if the statute of limitations will soon expire or the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement. While your case will most likely be resolved before it goes to jury trial, this may not happen until after months of litigation.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Truck Accident Attorney
Did you or a loved one suffer injuries in a truck accident in Augusta? Our dedicated lawyers are committed to thoroughly investigating your accident and fighting for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about the steps we can take to protect your legal rights, call our office to schedule a free case evaluation today.