How Long Does it Take to Settle a Semi Truck Accident? 

Semi-truck accidents inflict devastating injuries and cause thousands of dollars in property damage. The average passenger vehicle weighs between 2,750 and 4,000 lbs, while a semi-truck pulling an empty trailer weighs approximately 35,000 lbs, making collisions between large trucks and passenger vehicles especially dangerous. 

When someone suffers serious injuries in a semi-truck accident, they understandably want to receive compensation for their losses as soon as possible. You probably have a lot of expenses after an accident involving a big rig, and you no doubt need money to make ends meet. But how long does it take to settle a semi-truck accident? Typically, the answer depends on the circumstances of each individual case. But you should know that settling a truck accident claim is typically a slow process. Recovery can take even longer if your truck accident lawsuit proceeds to trial. 

Our team at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., keeps our clients informed throughout every step of their lawsuit so they know what to expect. We proudly uphold the reputation of storied Colorado attorney, Walter L. Gerash, advocating aggressively for our clients to receive the compensation they deserve. Contact our office today so we can start reviewing your case.

Steps to Expedite a Semi-Truck Accident Settlement

While we cannot tell precisely how long a semi-truck accident will take to settle, you can take specific steps to ensure the case proceeds as quickly as possible.

Report the Accident to Authorities

You should contact 911 and report an accident with a semi-truck as soon as possible. When you report an accident to law enforcement, they will create a formal accident report documenting information like: 

• Names of the parties involved,
• Names of the parties’ insurance carriers,
• Contact information for eyewitnesses, and
• Officers’ opinions regarding the cause of the accident.

The accident report can offer valuable information about who caused the collision. It can also provide valuable information about the basic facts of your case.

Seek Medical Attention

You should always seek medical treatment after a semi-truck accident. Trucks can inflict devastating injuries when they collide with automobiles, and the resulting injuries will be apparent. But some injuries do not present symptoms until several hours after the fact, so even if you think your injuries are minor, you should seek medical attention. The medical record will include relevant information about the injuries you suffered in the accident. 

Gather Relevant Evidence

Collect information that will help your attorney prove your case. In many cases, the best evidence is available at the scene of an accident immediately following the collision. 

If you can do so safely, the following evidence and information can benefit your case: 

• Photographs of the scene,
• Photographs of your injuries, and
• Names, contact information, and statements of any witnesses to the accident.

This information is typically valuable evidence to support your lawsuit. 

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, contact an accident lawyer right away. The sooner an attorney starts reviewing your case, the sooner you will receive your truck accident settlement. Moreover, having an attorney involved in your case in its early stages will help avoid mistakes that could reduce your settlement amount.

What Goes Into a Semi-Truck Accident Settlement?

When a semi-truck driver causes an accident that causes your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. That means the at-fault driver is liable for your losses. 

A truck accident settlement is typically made up of both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include monetary losses suffered as a result of the injury:

• Costs of vehicle repairs,
• Rehabilitation costs,
• Medical bills,
• Lost wages, and
• Loss of future earning capacity.

Keeping documentation of your receipts and invoices for financial expenses from the accident can help your attorney build a solid strategy to maximize your recovery.

Non-economic damages include abstract, intangible losses, including:

• Emotional distress,
• Pain and suffering,
• Anxiety, or
• Psychological trauma.

Our team can consult with economic experts to help value the extent of your non-economic damages.

Even if you contributed to the semi-truck accident, you can still recover losses as long as you were not 50% or more to blame for the collision. This is known as the legal theory of modified comparative negligence. For example, if a jury awards the victim a $200,000 judgment but determines they were 30% at fault in causing the crash, the victim would receive $140,000. Attribution of fault is one of the primary ways an attorney can help with your settlement. Put simply, you want to make sure that as little blame as possible is attributed to you, and an attorney will make sure this happens.

Contact Gerash Steiner Blanton to Discuss Your Options

When navigating a truck accident lawsuit settlement, you need a dedicated lawyer who is fully prepared and equipped to protect your legal rights and interests. Our truck accident attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton have more than 75 years of combined experience advocating for personal injury victims. An attorney can help you by:

• Gathering and analyzing evidence to help support your claims,
• Preparing witnesses to testify in your case,
• Talking to insurance representatives on your behalf, 
• Negotiating potential settlements with opposing parties and their legal counsel, and
• Creating a strategy to present in the event of a trial. 

No matter the circumstances in your case, our lawyers are prepared to advocate for you. If you were injured in a semi-truck accident, speak with a truck accident attorney from Gerash Steiner Blanton today.