Getting injured in a truck accident can turn your life upside-down. It is normal to want the claims process to be resolved as quickly as possible so that you can get the money you need to rebuild and move on. Knowing how long it typically takes to settle a truck accident claim in Texas can help you know what to expect. Make sure to speak with a truck accident attorney in San Antonio for legal guidance.
Average Settlement Timelines
A truck accident settlement refers to a private agreement made between the insurance provider of the defendant (or at-fault party) and the crash victim. The majority of truck accident cases in Texas are resolved through settlements. This means they do not go to court or lead to personal injury lawsuits.
A relatively simple truck accident case, such as one with minor injuries, can typically be settled within around 3 to 6 months. This is generally enough time for the insurance provider to investigate the claim, determine fault, and either accept or reject liability. A moderately complex case may take longer, around 6 to 12 months.
Many truck accident cases have challenging issues such as catastrophic injuries, one or multiple wrongful deaths, more than one insurance company involved, and liability disputes. These issues can extend the amount of time it takes to resolve the legal dispute beyond one year, as they may call for personal injury trials.
What if My Case Goes to Court?
If you have a particularly complex truck accident case, resolving it could take one to two years and beyond. This is especially true if your case has to go to court. If the trucking company or its insurance provider is denying liability for your injuries, the insurance company is refusing to offer a reasonably fair settlement, or your claim has been rejected, a personal injury attorney in San Antonio may recommend bringing the case to trial to pursue a fair outcome. The amount of time a trial takes depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the courthouse.
Factors That Influence Claim Timelines
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it will take to settle a truck accident claim in Texas. Some cases are finished within a few months while others drag on for multiple years. Factors that affect settlement timelines include:
- Severity of injuries suffered
- The length of time it takes for the victim to reach the point of maximum medical improvement
- The number of parties and insurance companies involved
- The amount of time needed by an insurance company to complete its investigation
- Whether or not liability for the truck accident is clear
- Whether the insurance company cooperates
- Whether the case settles out of court or if a lawsuit is necessary
In general, a more complicated or challenging truck accident case will take longer to resolve than a simple one. However, it’s important not to rush the settlement process. Jumping to accept the very first settlement offered, for instance, can lead to a financial outcome that is far less than you actually deserve.
Can I Speed Up the Process?
If you want to speed up your truck accident claim in Texas as much as possible without compromising your rights or settling for a too-low amount, hire an attorney to represent you. A truck accident attorney can make the legal process as efficient and effective as possible using state-of-the-art legal resources, knowledge of local laws and courthouses, and connections to subject-matter experts. Contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.