A truck accident lawsuit can take six months to a year, with a simple case resolving in less time and complex cases sometimes extending up to two years. Factors such as disputes over liability, the severity of injuries, and the insurance company’s willingness to settle are factors in how long a truck accident lawsuit can take in Mississippi. A qualified truck accident lawyer in Mississippi may be able to avoid delays by reaching a settlement out of court.
Consider factors that determine how long it takes to settle a truck accident in Mississippi.
Your Injuries and Treatment Needs
The more complex and serious your injuries are, the longer it can take to reach a settlement or file a lawsuit. Your attorney will help you determine the value of your claim only after considering factors such as:
- The types of treatment you need now and into the future
- The long-term implications of this injury on future medical needs
- How uncertain the future is for you with healing and full recovery
It is not typically wise to file a claim for recovery of damages until you have a good idea of what type and level of care you will need. In a serious truck accident, which may involve injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal organ damage, recovery can take some time. Medical experts can speed up this process by using your medical records to gain better insight into your likely recovery.
Disputes Over Fault
Delays are very common when disputes over who is at fault exist. This requires more investigation and, typically, more back-and-forth conversations with the insurance company and experts. In truck accidents, disputes are common since multiple parties could be held accountable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loading provider, or vehicle manufacturer. The more parties involved, the more extensive the investigations and push back, extending the time it takes to settle. Disputes over federal regulation violations can play a role in this process as well.
Serious Injuries with Long-Term Implications
Victims who have serious injuries with catastrophic losses may find it takes significantly longer to settle their case. That is due, in part, to the value of these cases. Insurance companies will work diligently to find ways to refute claims of what your case may be worth, and ultimately, that can extend the recovery process.
For example, a person with permanent disability with loss of mobility will have an impact on their quality of life, ability to work, relationships, and financial future. Disputes over what your case may be worth could push this case into long-term litigation. Some of these cases end up at trial, which can mean up to two to three years of back-and-forth negotiations and a full court trial. This is rarely what happens.
Simple Cases Can Close Too Quickly
It is also important to consider whether you should settle your case quickly. If the truck insurance company approaches you with what seems to be a lucrative settlement, you could receive compensation within months. However, it may be far less than what you are actually owed.
To avoid these types of complications, victims should work with a local auto accident attorney in Jackson, MS who knows the local courts and can build an evidence-based claim that is harder for the insurance company to dispute. That may help speed up settlement.