Maison Law represents big rig accident victims in California. Part of the legal process means answering questions many clients in your position have, one of which usually involves how long their claim will take. There’s no simple answer–it depends on a variety of different factors. Regardless, our team will guide and support you throughout the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Do Most Big Rig Accident Claims Take?
One of the main things that separates big rig accident claims from others is how serious they are. A big rig accident usually involves serious damage, injuries, and many potentially liable parties. All of this usually adds up to a longer claims process, but every case is different. Generally, though, the following factors are going to tell you how long the process might be:
- Seriousness of your injuries – Injuries in big rig accidents are usually much more serious. If your injuries are more serious, the claim process will likely take longer. This is because you may need to complete medical treatments or reach a stable point in your recovery to fully understand the extent of your medical expenses and other damages.
- Liability issues – If there’s a dispute over who’s at fault for the accident, it can slow things down. For example, if the truck driver blames you or there’s confusion about which party is responsible (the driver, trucking company, or manufacturer), it will take longer to investigate and sort out the liability.
- How the accident happened – Accidents that are straightforward, like a simple rear-end collision, usually resolve faster. But if the accident involved more complicated factors–such as equipment failure or improper loading–it may take longer to gather the evidence needed to determine what went wrong and who is actually responsible for the damage.
The time it takes to settle your big rig accident claim can vary–from a few months to even years, depending on the circumstances. However, looking at the actual claims process can shed more light in how things will progress.
How Does the Claims Process Work After a Big Rig Accident?
Another major factor in determining how long the claims process will take is the way you actually file your claim. In general, you have two options: filing an insurance claim out of court or filing a lawsuit:
- Insurance claim – An insurance claim is usually quicker and more cost-effective, because it happens outside of the court system. But keep in mind that it might not cover all your damages, because the entire process is controlled and managed by the insurance company. Many insurance companies try to extend the claims process the more complicated your accident is.
- Lawsuit – If you decide to file a lawsuit, the process may take longer and require more resources, but it could lead to higher compensation. Our team is here to assist you with all the paperwork, prepare you for court, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you if the case goes to trial.
Regardless of which option you choose, the reason for filing a claim in the first place is to recover “damages.” This is the legal term for costs related to things that you lose out on because of the accident, like your injuries and other damage, like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages in certain cases
- Expenses related to wrongful death
In California, it’s important to file your claim within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek damages. The outcome of your claim will depend on various factors, so knowing how to strengthen your case is crucial. And a great way to do that is to have our team on your side.
How Can Maison Law Make the Claims Process More Efficient?
If you’ve been involved in a big rig accident in California, going through the claims process can be daunting. More so than other accidents, big rig accidents often lead to serious injuries and other factors that complicate the process. While it’s not required to hire a lawyer, having our team at Maison Law on your side can significantly streamline the claims process and make it more efficient by:
- Identifying liability – Accidents with big rigs often involve several people, making it hard to figure out who’s to blame. We’ll quickly find out who is responsible, which helps speed up your claim.
- Collecting evidence – We’ll gather everything you need, like medical records, photos, and witness statements, in an organized way. Our careful method makes sure you have a strong case without delays.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Our experienced team of lawyers handles all the negotiation and communication with insurance companies for you. This means we can negotiate effectively, often leading to a faster settlement.
- Ongoing support – We’ll be with you every step of the way, so you can concentrate on healing. With our help, you can avoid common mistakes that could slow down your claim.
By having a dedicated team on your side, you can make the claims process more efficient, and you can get the result you need in a timely manner. Also, we tailor our approach to fit your unique situation. Don’t wait–if you’ve been in a big rig accident in California, contact us today for a free consultation.
