How Long Does It Take to Settle a Houston Truck Accident Case?
When you are involved in a truck crash, your injuries may often be serious. You want your medical bills paid and the settlement you deserve for your pain and suffering. But you may wonder how quickly that settlement can come.
A big rig’s insurance company will want you to settle quickly for the bare minimum. What may seem like a lot of money upfront will not amount to much as you continue to get medical bills.
We recommend hiring a top rated Houston trucking injury lawyer who can settle your case for its true worth. They can evaluate your case and give you an estimated case value and settlement timeline. Knowing your case’s worth will help you avoid settling too quickly (and for too low).
How quickly you settle will depend on your specific claim. Here are some things to keep in mind when determining a general timeframe.
Negotiating a Settlement For a Truck Wreck
When you hire an attorney to settle your injury claim, this doesn’t mean you need to go to court. There will be negotiations between your attorney and the commercial truck’s insurance company. This negotiation will depend on the evidence your attorney gathers.
Medical Records
Treating with a medical provider is essential before beginning negotiations. Medical treatment serves as a kind of investigation. This tells the insurance company exactly how you were affected by the truck crash. Without medical records showing your injuries, you will be unable to prove what you deserve to be compensated.
Proving Negligence
A further investigation will be necessary to prove the other driver’s negligence. Insurance companies will not settle if they believe their driver didn’t cause the truck wreck. Only through evidence like a police report, video footage, or clear damage to the vehicles can you prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
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When Do I Need to Go to Court?
Your attorney can best determine when filing a lawsuit is needed. It may be for two common reasons:
- Negotiations are going nowhere. The insurance company refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement amount without a judge or jury’s opinion.
- In Texas, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the truck accident. This is only if your case isn’t settled before the two-year mark.
While the litigation process can take a year or two, it can be much shorter or longer. This is based on how the negotiations continue with the insurance company. You may never have to step foot in a courtroom if your attorney and the insurance company are able to settle even after filing your lawsuit. This will depend on your case.
Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston
Being struck by an 18-wheeler is serious, but you don’t have to handle this process alone. Settling can be a long and complicated process. That’s why we are here to help you! Call the best vehicle accident attorneys in Houston, TX. We can evaluate your case and will negotiate to get the settlement you deserve.
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