Truck accident settlements can take anywhere from a few months to a few years before they are fully settled. That said, the exact timeframe depends on the details of your case, any insurance negotiations involved in your case, and the likelihood of litigation.
If you were involved in a truck-related collision and you’re wondering how long you’ll have to wait before you receive your payouts, a truck accident lawyer in Charlotte is the one to call. While waiting for a settlement can be frustrating, you don’t have to go through this alone.
Liability Determination in Truck Accident Settlement Cases
Determining who is at fault in a truck accident is another key factor affecting the timeline of a settlement. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties:
- The truck driver
- The rucking company
- Cargo handlers
- Vehicle manufacturers
Establishing liability usually requires an in-depth investigation, which involves reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reconstruction reports. Additionally, North Carolina operates under a pure contributory negligence system.
This means that if the injured party shares any portion of the fault for the incident, then they are prevented from recovering compensation. Also, negotiating liability among multiple parties can add even more time to the settlement process.
For a free legal consultation, call (980) 246-2656
Insurance Factors That Are Taken Into Consideration
Insurance considerations are central to the timeline of truck accident settlements. Commercial trucks are required to carry liability insurance with higher coverage limits than personal vehicles, often ranging from $750,000 to $5 million per accident.
The exact amount will depend on the type of cargo involved. Furthermore, whether or not the truck participates in interstate and intrastate travel will also be considered.
When multiple insurance policies are involved, coordinating the details of these policies among all involved insurers can delay settlements:
- The truck driver’s policy
- The trucking company’s coverage
- Umbrella policies
Not only is it possible that each insurer could choose to conduct its own investigation, but they might also challenge various aspects of your claim, which will likely further extend the timeline.
Additionally, insurance companies will likely request detailed documentation pertaining to your case:
- Medical records
- Property damage estimates
- Lost wage verification
- Evidence of long-term care needs
The process of gathering and submitting this information can add weeks—if not months—to the timeline before a settlement can be finalized.
Negotiations and Dispute Resolution
The negotiation process itself is another factor that affects truck accident settlement timelines. Insurance companies might offer settlements that are lower than the actual value of the claim.
Negotiating fair compensation can take weeks or months, depending on the responsiveness of the insurers and the details of your claim. Disputes regarding liability, the severity of injuries, or the extent of damages can also lead to delays.
Mediation or pre-litigation settlement discussions are one way to attempt to resolve these issues, but these processes require time and coordination among all parties involved.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Statute of Limitations
North Carolina has a three–year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents. This means that accident victims have 36 months from the date of the crash to file a claim.
While filing within this period is legally required, waiting until the final stages of medical treatment or insurance investigation can sometimes delay settlements. Balancing the need for timely filing with the necessity of complete documentation is a key factor in the overall timeline.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Typical Timeline for Settlements
While each truck accident case is unique, these are general timelines that can help set expectations:
- Minor injuries: Settlements may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months if injuries are minor, liability is clear, and insurance coverage is straightforward.
- Moderate injuries: Cases involving fractures, concussions, or moderate medical expenses often take anywhere from six to 12 months to resolve. This timeline allows for complete documentation and recovery assessment.
- Severe injuries or catastrophic cases: Settlements for severe injuries can take one to three years, if not longer. These cases involve very detailed medical evaluations, long-term care planning, and disputes over liability or damages.
- Wrongful death cases: Wrongful death claims may also take between one and three years, if not longer. This timeframe is because these cases require the assessment of financial losses, emotional suffering, and ongoing impacts on surviving family members.
Call Our Charlotte Personal Injury Law Firm Today For More Information About How Long Truck Accident Settlements Take
If you’ve been involved in a truck-related collision, the claims process can feel overwhelming. It might even seem like matters are moving too slowly, especially if you’re in need of financial assistance in the aftermath of the crash. However, you’re not alone.
For those of you wondering how long truck accident settlements take, reach out to Shane Smith Law as soon as possible. Our Charlotte truck accident attorneys are ready to guide you through the settlement process and protect your legal rights every step of the way. In Pain? Call Shane!
Since 2009, we’ve helped more than 10,000 people recover over $100 million. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our personal injury attorneys in Charlotte will work to get you the evidence you need to maximize your claim and seek justice on your behalf.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
