Given the finality of these decisions, it is critical to consult an experienced attorney before accepting any offer. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we can help ensure that your settlement fully accounts for your losses and protects your future.
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, and we know how crucial it is to secure compensation as soon as possible. When you choose our Virginia truck accident lawyers, we’ll work tirelessly to resolve your case efficiently and secure the full compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (757) 333-3333 to schedule a free consultation.
Why the Length of a Truck Accident Settlement Varies
Numerous factors influence how long it takes to settle a truck accident case in Virginia, including:
- Severity of Injuries: Cases involving minor injuries may settle faster, while catastrophic injuries like amputations or spinal cord damage require extensive medical treatment and long-term assessments, delaying the settlement timeline.
- Liability Disputes: Clear-cut cases resolve more quickly, but disputed liability, multiple responsible parties, or conflicting evidence can slow the process as attorneys and experts work to establish fault.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Trucking insurers often delay high-value claims to reduce payouts, especially those involving permanent disabilities or lifelong medical care.
- Medical and Expert Evaluations: Cases involving prosthetics, spinal surgeries, or ongoing rehabilitation require thorough documentation and expert opinions, which can take months to gather.
- Evidence Collection: Key evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and accident reports, may take time to obtain, particularly if the trucking company resists disclosure.
- Negotiation Process: Insurers often start with low offers, requiring extended negotiations or litigations, especially in cases involving severe, long-term injuries.
While some truck accident cases settle within months, others can take well over a year, especially when they involve life-altering injuries, liability disputes, or complex medical treatment.
What Is the Truck Accident Settlement Process?
Every truck accident case is unique, but most involve similar steps. The auto accident settlement process may include the following:
- Initial Consultation: Meet with our attorneys to discuss your accident, review your legal options, and develop a strategy for pursuing compensation.
- Investigation: Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, determining liability, and assessing the full extent of your damages.
- Demand Letter: We will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company, outlining your damages and explaining why they are liable.
- Settlement negotiations: Our attorneys will aggressively negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If an agreement is reached, both parties will sign a settlement contract.
- Trial (if necessary): If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we will prepare to take your case to trial. Our experienced litigators will present your case before a judge and jury.
Expediting the Settlement Process for a Truck Crash Case in Virginia
Having an experienced Virginia attorney with resources can move the settlement process along for a truck accident case. It is not unusual for insurance companies to take a long time to make a settlement offer if victims choose to handle claims themselves. This is because an injured person is not viewed as a legitimate threat to file a lawsuit and take them to court without an attorney. However, if someone has an attorney negotiating the case for them, they can be aggressive with the negotiation and demand a prompt settlement offer.
If the insurance company is slow or uncooperative, an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer could file a lawsuit immediately. Beginning the litigation process could help move things forward as quickly as possible. However, the speed with which a case is litigated is sometimes dependent upon court availability.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Virginia?
The Virginia personal injury statute of limitations is normally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they turn 18. In other words, they have until their twentieth birthday to file a lawsuit.
Virginia’s discovery rule may also extend the statute of limitations for truck accident cases. This rule states that the countdown begins on the date a victim reasonably should have discovered their injury if was not evident immediately after the accident.
No matter your circumstances, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident. Doing so avoids missing the all-important filing deadline and allows you to preserve evidence while it’s still fresh.
Speak With a Virginia Attorney About the Length of a Truck Accident Settlement
While you should not rush to settle your case, you also do not want to unnecessarily delay your settlement. A prompt, fair resolution is something our experienced lawyers can help you achieve. It is important to understand the full extent of your injuries before engaging in settlement negotiations with an insurance or trucking company.
Our team of top-rated attorneys boasts nearly 130 years of combined legal experience. With an exceptional winning streak that has secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients, including Virginia’s largest reported car accident recovery of $6.5 million in 2020, our history of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts is unmatched.
To learn more about truck accident settlement timelines in Virginia, contact us online or call (757) 333-3333. We set the standard for delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality legal representation in Virginia. We defend injury victims throughout the state, never insurance companies.
