Our Skilled FL Injury Attorneys Explain How Long it Takes to Obtain Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries
The physical, emotional, and financial costs of injuries suffered in a truck accident can be overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a Florida truck accident, you may be wondering how soon you can get compensation for your mounting medical bills and lost wages. Some personal injury claims for other types of accidents can take up to six months or more to reach a settlement, but truck accident cases are often more complex than passenger vehicle accidents, so these cases can take even longer. 
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Spetsas Buist want you to have the peace of mind you need to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. We can handle all aspects of your legal case and seek financial recovery to cover the costs you’ve incurred as a result of your injuries. We understand the anxieties you must be facing, so we explain various factors that affect how long it may take to obtain compensation.
Possible Compensation for Your Florida Truck Accident Injuries
The financial costs of a truck accident can be devastating, especially if you suffer severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Economic damages are a type of legal remedy through which victims can seek compensation for these financial costs. Types of economic damages can include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages as a result of missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injury caused a disability preventing you from returning to work
However, you may also suffer non-economic damages, as well. You may likely experience some level of pain and emotional distress, and personal injury laws provide a possible remedy for those more subjective losses to include the following non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Factors That Affect the Time it Takes to Receive Compensation for FL Truck Accident Injuries
Every accident is unique, and there are different factors that can affect the outcome of your claim and the time it takes to obtain compensation, including the following:
Investigation of Liability
Trucking companies may work hard to argue that their driver or the company itself was not liable for the accident. Your case may take longer as your attorney determines liability and negotiates with the trucking company and their insurance provider. There are a few things your lawyer can investigate to prove the driver’s (or trucking company’s) liability:
- Whether the driver followed the rules of the road and all regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Whether other drivers on the road caused or contributed to the accident
- Whether the trucking company kept the truck in good working order with regular maintenance
- Whether another party might be liable, such as a negligent mechanic who serviced the truck
The FMCSA sets regulations for trucking companies and their drivers. Your attorney can gather evidence to determine whether any party violated these regulations. Evidence can be collected from black box data, traffic camera footage, driver’s and maintenance logs, and the trucking company’s policies.
The Severity of the Accident
The size and weight of commercial trucks often cause far more severe accidents, and the victim’s injuries can be catastrophic. The more serious the accident and injuries, the more facets each attorney must consider. These accidents often require more investigation and longer wait times.
Insurance Coverage
The FMCSA sets regulations for commercial truck insurance coverage. Companies often must carry insurance for the truck’s cab, the trailer, and the loads their trucks carry. Add in the truck driver’s own insurance, and things can get complicated. It may take time to determine which insurance policy covers damage from the accident.
The Extent of Your Medical Treatment
Although we understand that you need help with medical bills as soon as possible, we still advise that you wait to accept a settlement until you know the full extent of your injuries and the medical treatment required. Otherwise, you may end up with further medical expenses down the road for which you can no longer seek compensation.
Negotiations
Depending on how stubborn the trucking company is or their insurance adjusters are, negotiations may take some time. Your attorney can help you determine how much your case may be worth and when it is worth continuing to fight for higher compensation.
If the trucking company refuses to offer fair and reasonable compensation and you have a strong case, your attorney may suggest going to court. If that happens, your case will take longer as you wait for a court date and then take part in court appearances.
