You're driving home on I-43 in Milwaukee when suddenly, an 18-wheeler veers into your lane, striking your vehicle. As a result of this frightening truck accident, you're left with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and many unanswered questions. One of truck accident victims' most pressing concerns is, "How long will it take to settle my case?"
At Hupy and Abraham, our experienced Milwaukee truck accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face after a serious crash. While every case is unique, several key factors can influence the timeline of your truck accident settlement. Let's take a closer look at what to expect during this process and how our dedicated legal team can help you navigate this complex journey.
Investigating the Accident and Gathering Evidence
Before settlement negotiations can begin, your legal team must conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the truck accident. This process involves:
- Reviewing police reports and witness statements. Analyzing the official accident report and interviewing eyewitnesses can provide valuable insight into how the crash occurred and who may be at fault.
- Examining vehicle damage and accident scene photos. Physical evidence from the crash site, such as skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage, can help reconstruct the accident and support your claim.
- Obtaining data from the truck's "black box." Most commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders that capture information about the vehicle's speed, braking, and other factors in the moments leading up to a collision.
- Identifying all potentially liable parties. Multiple parties may share responsibility in truck accident cases, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or even the vehicle manufacturer.
The time required for this investigation can vary depending on the case's complexity and the parties' cooperation. Your Milwaukee truck accident lawyer will work diligently to gather the necessary evidence to build a strong foundation for your claim.
Evaluating Your Injuries and Damages
Another critical factor in determining the timeline of your truck accident settlement is your injuries' severity and long-term impact. Your attorney will work closely with your medical providers to assess the full extent of your damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses. This includes costs related to emergency medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and any ongoing care you may require due to the accident.
- Lost wages and earning capacity. If your injuries have prevented you from working or have diminished your future earning potential, your settlement should account for these economic losses.
- Pain and suffering. The physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life you've experienced due to the accident are compensable damages.
In cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries, waiting until you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) may be necessary before finalizing your settlement. This ensures that the full scope of your damages is accounted for in your compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Once your legal team has built a compelling case on your behalf, they will begin settlement negotiations with the insurance companies representing the at-fault parties. This process can be lengthy, as insurers often employ tactics to minimize payouts, such as:
- Disputing liability. The insurance company may attempt to shift blame for the accident onto you or another party to reduce their financial responsibility.
- Questioning the severity of your injuries. Insurers may argue that your injuries are less serious than claimed or that they were pre-existing conditions unrelated to the truck accident.
- Offering lowball settlements. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are often far below the true value of your claim, as they’re hoping you'll accept a quick payout in the face of mounting financial pressures.
Your experienced truck accident lawyer will handle these negotiations on your behalf, using the evidence gathered to advocate for a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses. The duration of this process can vary based on the details of your case and the willingness of the insurance company to engage in good-faith negotiations.
Taking Your Case to Trial
In some instances, if the insurance company refuses to offer a just settlement, filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial may be necessary. While this can extend the timeline of your case, it's essential to remember that your attorney's primary goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, even if it requires additional time.
Throughout the litigation process, your legal team will continue to build your case, gathering expert testimony, deposing witnesses, and presenting compelling arguments in court. While most truck accident cases settle before going to trial, having a skilled litigator on your side ensures that you're prepared for every eventuality.
Maximizing Your Compensation with Hupy and Abraham's Milwaukee Truck Accident Attorneys
At Hupy and Abraham, we understand that the journey to a fair truck accident settlement can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to focus on your physical recovery. Our compassionate Milwaukee truck accident attorneys are dedicated to shouldering the legal burden for you, fighting tirelessly for the maximum compensation you deserve.
With over 50 years of experience and a track record that includes more than $1 billion in recoveries for over 70,000 satisfied clients, you can trust our award-winning team to guide you through every step of the settlement process. We have the knowledge, resources, and tenacity to stand up to even the most formidable opponents and get results.