After an 18-wheeler accident, the amount of time you will have to wait to recover compensation from the liable party will vary depending on a variety of factors. If you are able to reach a quick settlement agreement, your case may only take a few months. However, if you go to court, it could take years to resolve your 18-wheeler lawsuit.

While you may be eager to collect compensation for your losses and move on with your life, don’t rush into accepting a settlement deal that does not meet your needs. When you hire an experienced Milwaukee truck accident lawyer from Gruber Law Offices, they will ensure your interests are protected, answer all your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Settlements Are Far Quicker Than Court Verdicts

Settling your 18-wheeler truck accident lawsuit will usually result in a quicker resolution than if your case is decided in court by a judge. Of course, the amount of time it can take to settle a case can vary significantly. In some cases, it is possible to reach a settlement deal before you even file a lawsuit. Other times, you may reach a deal after a lawsuit has been filed.  

While settling your case quickly is likely your preferred option, you need to ensure you aren’t forfeiting the compensation you deserve just to make a deal. Don’t negotiate with the insurance company alone. An experienced truck accident lawyer at Gruber Law Offices can help negotiate a settlement deal that meets your needs while also working to resolve your case as quickly as possible.

Factors that Commonly Affect How Long a Lawsuit Takes

Many factors can impact the time it will take to settle your case. Two of the factors that most significantly affect this timeline are the evidence of the other party’s liability and the severity of your damages.

Proof of Liability

When there is overwhelming evidence that the other party was at fault for your accident, it can significantly speed up the timeline for recovering compensatory damages. If liability is unclear, it may take a while to identify the liable party, which is necessary before you can begin to pursue a claim. The at-fault party may spend this time trying to shift the blame rather than negotiating a settlement.

Meanwhile, if the evidence against the liable party is indisputable, they may be much more willing to proceed with settlement negotiations to move the case forward and avoid going to court. A strong case against the other party can give you significant leverage during negotiations to secure a favorable outcome.

Severity of Damages

Cases involving less severe damages tend to settle far more quickly as the liable party is often much more willing to agree to a fair deal early so they can move on from the accident. 

In cases involving severe damages, you can expect the at-fault party to put up a much bigger battle. When facing a significant financial loss, it is common for those responsible to offer a lower settlement deal that doesn’t meet your needs and hope to wait you out. 

An experienced Milwaukee personal injury lawyer can advocate for the money you deserve.

The Filing Deadline for a Truck Accident Lawsuit

The amount of time it will take to conclude your case will also depend on how long you wait to file your lawsuit. In Wisconsin, the personal injury statute of limitations is three years, which means that all the paperwork required for filing must be submitted within three years of the date of your accident.

However, the sooner you get started, the better. Not only will consulting a truck accident lawyer soon after your accident put you in a position to recover compensation more quickly, but it will also help ensure the strength of your case. Delays can result in evidence being lost or corrupted, and witness testimony becomes less reliable with each passing day.

Furthermore, trucking companies have been known to act quickly to erase evidence that may point to their fault. One of the first acts a lawyer will take will be to send a letter demanding that this evidence be preserved. Hiring an attorney quickly will put you in the best position to recover the money you need and deserve in a timely manner.

Get Help With Your 18-Wheeler Accident from an Experienced Attorney Today

The time to resolve your 18-wheeler accident lawsuit depends on many factors. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not worth settling your case quickly if you aren’t getting the money you truly deserve.   At Gruber Law Offices, our team works on a contingency fee basis, which means you can hire us without financial concerns, as we are paid when you get paid.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Gruber Law Offices takes pride in serving communities throughout Wisconsin. As experienced truck accident attorneys, our law firm can help ensure your interests are protected as we work to get you the settlement you deserve.  There’s never a fee until we win.

Contact our experienced legal team to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today to learn more about our firm and the service we provide to our clients. Give us a call to get started today. "One call...That's All!"