How Long do Truck Accident Cases Take to Settle in Texas?
Being involved in an accident with a large truck can be a confusing and scary experience. The most important thing that any truck accident victim needs to do is seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Unfortunately, truck versus passenger vehicle crashes often result in severe injuries. After the immediate emergency is over, victims often wonder how long it will take for their truck accident case to settle in Texas. Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to how long it will take a truck accident case to settle. This is one of the most important things you need to discuss with your Texas truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will have in-depth knowledge about this process and will be able to give you a general idea of what you can expect for your particular case.
What Is the Timeline for a Truck Accident Case in Texas?
The reality is that Texas truck accidents are all unique and every case is different. Because no two cases are alike, there is no way to give an accident victim a definitive timeline for their particular truck accident claim. Every case plays out according to the facts and circumstances related to each particular situation. Additionally, a large part of the timeline for these cases revolves around whether or not the personal injury claim is resolved through a settlement offer with insurance companies, or if it is necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If the Case Is Resolved Through Insurance Carriers
There will likely be multiple insurance carriers involved in the aftermath of a crash involving a large commercial truck in Texas. This includes the insurance company of any traditional passenger vehicle drivers as well as the insurance company of the truck driver and commercial trucking company. In general, most vehicle accident cases are resolved through insurance coverage and their carriers, but accidents involving trucks can become complicated, particularly if there are extensive injuries or property damage. If everything goes smoothly, a large truck crash victim can see their case is settled within a few weeks. However, this is a best-case, ideal time frame.
If the Case is Resolved Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the insurance company of the truck driver or trucking company refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies a claim altogether, it will be necessary for the injury victim and their attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company and their insurance company. Once a lawsuit is filed, it will officially enter the civil court system in Texas. At this point, you can be certain that the ideal “couple of weeks” time frame is no longer in play. Attorneys on both sides will conduct investigations, and there will be a discovery process in which both sides exchanged evidence and question witnesses. However, throughout the personal injury lawsuit process, attorneys from law firms will continue negotiations. This may be done informally or through a formal mediation process. Even though a lawsuit may be filed, it is still likely that an injury claim will be settled before the case goes to a full jury. Even so, it could take months or more than a year for this process to play out and for an injury victim to receive a settlement. Still, if no settlement can be reached, and the case needs to go to a jury trial, it could take more than a year or two for a final settlement or jury verdict to be handed down.