How Long Does it Take to Settle an 18-Wheeler Accident Case in Miami, Fl?
August 17, 2022 | Sagi Shaked | Truck Accidents
A car accident with another car or passenger vehicle can be harrowing enough. A car accident involving a massive 18-wheeler can be downright terrifying and can result in extremely serious injuries.
Was the accident your fault? If not, you could be entitled to receive compensation. How long could that process take? It depends. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Miami can advise you on what the claims process entails and how long it could take for you to receive payment.
A Standard Size Car vs. 18-Wheeler = David vs Goliath
Did you know the average weight of a passenger vehicle is 4,156 pounds? An 18-wheeler weighs 35,000 pounds when it’s empty and up to 80,000 when it is fully loaded. It’s clear which driver and vehicle stands to incur more damage when there is a truck accident.
It’s important to remember that the truck driver’s insurance company is not concerned with what is best for you. Their goal is to deny blame for the incident and pay you nothing if possible. It is not uncommon for them to say that you caused the accident and are inflating the seriousness of your injuries.
Who Else Could Be Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
In an accident with a 18-wheeler, you aren’t just dealing with the truck’s driver when it comes to liability. There are other parties to consider that may also be liable for the accident that caused your injuries and property damage.
- The Trucking Company –Under Florida law an employer can be held liable for their employee’s behavior. This is referred to as vicarious liability. An example would be if the trucking company hired a driver who had a record of driving erratically. This would be negligent on their part and as a result, you can sue both the driver and their company.
- The Manufacturer of the 18-Wheeler or its parts – If a defective truck part caused the crash, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the truck manufacturer.
- A Third Party – What if a car swerved in front of the truck, causing the 18-wheeler to run into your car? That car’s driver could also be held liable for the accident.
One or more parties could be liable for your truck crash. Your truck accident lawyer will identify all liable parties and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Insurance Settlement or Go to Court?
If you pursue a claim against one or multiple parties, it will take time to negotiate with the respective insurance companies. Again, they will not make things easy for you and will fight to pay as little as they can. If you aren’t satisfied with what they offer, your attorney might suggest filing a lawsuit.
The time period between filing a lawsuit and actually getting inside of a courtroom can take anywhere from a few months to one or two years. However, there is still a chance that the case could settle before you make it to court.
Just know that getting compensated for your injuries and property damage will probably not be a simple and easy process. You’ll want an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side whose only concern is protecting your interests.
Talk to a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Case
If you have been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you are entitled to get compensation for your injuries and property damage. A personal injury lawyer will assess the facts of your case and advise you on how to get the compensation to which you are entitled.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami truck accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191