How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take To Settle in Illinois?

If you recently sustained injuries in a truck crash, you may be anxious to settle your case so you can recover compensation and move on. However, accepting a quick truck accident settlement may mean you don’t recover the money you need for your long-term medical bills and other losses. That is why working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can thoroughly evaluate your case and fight for a fair settlement is crucial.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, we believe you should not rush the settlement process when your future is on the line. Our diligent, determined approach has helped us recover over $2.5 billion in compensation for our clients, which includes more than 350 verdicts and settlements of $1+ million. Read on to learn how long truck accident cases take to settle and what you can expect during the process.

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The Importance of Not Rushing Your Truck Accident Settlement in Illinois

Most successful truck accident cases are resolved through an insurance claim rather than going to court. After a truck crash, it may be tempting to accept the first settlement offer you receive. However, rushing to settle your case can be a costly mistake.

Settling for the right amount is crucial because once you accept an offer, you cannot go back and negotiate for more compensation. Many truck collision injuries take time to fully heal, and medical expenses can add up long after you begin treatment. If you settle too soon, you could be left paying out of pocket for ongoing medical care or other crash-related costs you weren’t initially anticipating.

Furthermore, accepting a truck accident settlement means releasing the at-fault parties from further liability. This release prevents you from recovering any more compensation in the future, even if your injuries worsen or new issues arise. That is why working with a lawyer who can thoroughly evaluate your truck accident case is critical. A skilled attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for your short-term and long-term needs.

The Chicago legal team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard has a proven track record of helping truck accident victims recover the money they need to move forward with their lives. In one case, we recovered $14 million for a woman who suffered a severe spinal cord injury after a truck collided with her car. Her injury barred her from returning to work, and the compensation we recovered will help her pay for her medical care for years to come.

Factors That Can Affect How Long Your Truck Accident Cases Take to Settle in Chicago

Every truck collision case is different, and several factors determine how long your case might take to settle. These factors include:

You Suffered Severe Injuries

Truck collisions often result in more serious injuries than car crashes, which makes it even more important to wait for a fair settlement. More severe injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries typically require long recovery periods and expensive medical treatments. In some cases, victims may need ongoing care or rehabilitation for months or even years. The longer the recovery period, the more medical bills pile up, along with other costs like lost wages and future medical needs. Additionally, you must reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before you settle your claim. MMI is the point at which your medical condition has stabilized and you have recovered as much as can be expected.

Because of these factors, any settlement offer must be large enough to cover all the additional expenses that come with severe injuries. This is not just about immediate medical bills. It is about making sure you have the resources to manage any future costs related to your injury, whether that is continuing treatment, physical therapy, or long-term care.

Unfortunately, insurance companies know that severe injury cases come with more significant settlement amounts, and they are more likely to dispute these claims. They may try to minimize the amount they pay by arguing about the severity of your injuries or the long-term costs. This is why having a knowledgeable truck crash lawyer who can stand up to these tactics is so important. A fair settlement takes time, but it is essential for protecting your future.

Multiple Parties Involved

Truck crashes are often more complicated than regular collisions because they frequently involve multiple liable parties. In addition to the truck driver, other involved parties may include the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Determining who is responsible requires a careful investigation into what caused the crash and sufficient evidence to establish their liability.

For example, if the truck driver was speeding or driving while distracted, they could be liable. However, if the trucking company forced the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines that caused unsafe driving, the company could also be held responsible. If a mechanical issue, like faulty brakes, contributed to the collision, the manufacturer or a maintenance company may share liability.

When multiple parties are involved in a truck accident claim, they may try to blame each other for the crash to reduce their financial responsibility. This back-and-forth over disputed liability can delay the settlement process as each party tries to shift the blame.

Lawyers prove liability in these complex cases by thoroughly investigating the incident. They review driving records, maintenance logs, and other crucial evidence to determine liability and, if multiple parties share liability, each party’s degree of fault. This process helps ensure that all the responsible parties are held accountable, which is essential for securing a fair settlement.

Negotiating for a Higher Settlement Amount

Negotiating a higher settlement after a truck collision can take time, but it is necessary to make sure you get enough compensation to cover all your current and future expenses. Given the severe injuries common in many truck crashes, you and your lawyer must carefully consider your long-term costs, such as ongoing medical treatment, lost income, and any future care you may need. Rushing the process could leave you without enough funds to cover these expenses later.

Insurance companies are more likely to dispute a larger settlement amount because it means paying out more money. They may try to reduce your claim by questioning the severity of your injuries or offering a lower amount than you deserve. In addition, a more significant settlement often requires additional authorization from executives within the insurance company, which can slow things down.

If your settlement demand exceeds the responsible party’s liability insurance coverage, that can also create delays. Under FMCSA regulations, trucking companies must carry between $300,000 and $5 million in bodily injury coverage, depending on a truck’s weight and cargo. However, if your costs exceed the insurance policy limits, your lawyer may need to pursue additional sources of compensation, which can prolong the process.

Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a Free Case Evaluation

Now that you understand all the factors contributing to a fair truck crash settlement, you know why these cases can take time to settle. Consider working with an experienced truck accident lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard to ensure you have capable legal representation who will fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle all the legal work while you focus on healing. Call us today or complete our contact us form for a free consultation.