Accidents involving 18-wheelers in Stuart, FL, can be devastating. Many people are killed annually in crashes involving large trucks. Surviving victims often face severe injuries and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Stuart, Florida, you may wonder how long it will take to settle your case and receive potential compensation. The Stuart 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers will fight for all the potential compensation you deserve.
Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with a Stuart 18-wheeler accident attorney and learn more about how long it could take to settle an 18-wheeler accident case at (772) 444-7000.
How Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Settle After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Stuart
Navigating the aftermath of an 18-wheeler truck accident in Stuart, FL, can be overwhelming, especially when trying to balance your recovery with medical treatments, bills, and insurance claims. Our Stuart truck accident lawyers bring over 80 years of combined experience to every case and have recovered over $200 million in compensation in the last decade.
Our Stuart personal injury lawyers will handle the following:
- Investigating the cause of truck accidents
- Gathering evidence
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Retaining experts
- Valuing your damages
- Negotiating settlements
- Filing truck accident lawsuits
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Stuart 18-wheeler accident attorney.
Factors Influencing the Settlement Timeline
Several factors can influence how long it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case in Florida. Each 18-wheeler accident is different, but factors that may influence the settlement timeline typically include:
1. Severity of Injuries
The severity of your injuries in the accident is a significant factor. Severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Understanding the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact may take weeks or months. Settling early may mean accepting compensation that does not cover your true damages.
2. Complexity of the Case
Truck accident cases are typically more complex than standard car accidents. Multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and insurance companies. Determining liability requires thorough investigation and expert analysis.
3. Gathering Evidence
Collecting and analyzing evidence takes time. Investigating truck accidents requires obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence. Lawyers may also need to consult experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to support your case and alleged damages.
4. Negotiations
Negotiating with insurance companies can be a lengthy process. Insurance adjusters may dispute the extent of your injuries or their insured’s liability. Multiple rounds of negotiation may be required to reach a fair settlement that compensates for all your injuries and damages.
5. Legal Proceedings
Most cases settle, but not all. Your case may proceed to litigation, requiring discovery, depositions, motions, and potentially a trial. A case may settle at any point during the litigation process, potentially adding months or years to the settlement timeline.
Who May Be Liable for An 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
Determining liability in an 18-wheeler truck accident can be complicated. Beyond the driver, many other parties may be involved. Identifying all liable parties is crucial for ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Truck owners
- Cargo loaders
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Maintenance companies
Stuart truck accident lawyers will investigate your 18-wheeler accident to identify all potentially liable parties.
What Damages May I Recover for an 18-Wheeler Accident?
You or a loved one may be entitled to recover different damages to compensate for your losses after an 18-wheeler accident.
This includes compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
A Stuart truck accident lawyer will evaluate your case to determine the different forms of damages that you may be entitled to.
What if I’m Partly At Fault for an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, serious injuries and other factors may allow you to recover compensation outside PIP coverage.
If you are potentially partly at fault for the 18-wheeler accident, you should know that Florida follows a “modified comparative fault” system. This system allows you to recover compensation for your injuries and damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, and it will be barred entirely if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible. Consult an experienced Stuart truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery.
Contact Our Stuart 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Stuart, FL, our Stuart 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help you pursue potential compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We recognize the effects of 18-wheeler accidents, and you are not alone. Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
