Discussing the various factors for determining how long a truck accident settlement will take
Discussing the various factors for determining how long a truck accident settlement will takeAccidents involving large trucks are often devastating for those involved. Georgia is a busy state for large commercial truck activity, with millions of semi-trucks and delivery trucks traveling our roadways each year. Due to the size and weight of a large commercial truck, crashes can result in severe injuries for those inside passenger vehicles. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Georgia truck accident, you likely have medical bills and other expenses piling up. You may be wondering – How long does a truck accident settlement take in Georgia?
What factors go into a Georgia truck accident settlement?
There is no set timeframe for how long these cases will take. Various factors go into how long an auto accident settlement will take. One of the most important things you can do after a truck crash is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not feel any pain right away, let a doctor check you over. Be sure to follow all treatment plans and follow-up visits. By not seeking medical attention or following a doctor’s orders after a Georgia truck crash, you could complicate the settlement in your case.
Trucking companies are required to carry higher levels of insurance than other cars. When you file a lawsuit against a trucking company, you can also make a claim directly against the company’s liability insurance carrier in what is called “direct action.”
A truck accident case can be further complicated due to the involvement of more parties. It is not uncommon for any of the following to be at fault in a truck crash:
- Truck driver
- Truck company
- The company that maintains the truck
- The truck manufacturer
- Manufacturers of the truck parts
Your Georgia truck accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the cause of your accident to determine who was responsible for the crash. These investigations could take some time to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Your attorney will work to determine whether the truck driver and trucking company followed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The FMCSA regulates how many hours a driver can operate as well as the frequency and thoroughness of truck inspections.
Depending on the facts of the case, the defendant’s or their insurance carrier may wish to settle the case quickly, especially if the injuries relatively minor. However, for more severe injuries, you need to understand that the insurance carriers are not your friends. The first settlement offer is almost always going to be lower than the amount you should be receiving.
These cases often come down to being patient. Your attorney will negotiate with the at-fault party, their insurer, and their legal team to secure a fair settlement. If they do not offer one, it may be necessary to take your case to trial.
Finally, cases filed in larger urban areas such as Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, Savannah, or Augusta could take longer. Courts in these areas are generally busier and take longer for cases to go to trial than those in more rural places in Georgia.
How often do truck accidents occur?
During the latest reporting year in the United States, the FMCSA says that there were around 148,000 people injured and 4,761 people killed in large truck crashes during the latest reporting year. The FMCSA says that a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. The average passenger vehicle weighs just 4,000 pounds. Comparing those numbers, we can see why these vehicles and their drivers are strictly regulated.
Finding an attorney to help your Georgia truck accident
You should always seek assistance from a Georgia truck accident attorney if you or a loved one are injured in a crash. Your attorney will be able to handle all aspects of your case and will work to ensure you are fairly compensated for what has happened.
