From start to finish, a truck accident claim against BBT Insurance Services can take 6 months of less for lower value cases involving relatively minor injuries and vehicle damage. Unfortunately, commercial trucks generally cause extensive damage, so the necessary medical treatments, accident investigation, and other variables can take more than 1 year to resolve. That’s why many truck accident injury claims can take between 9 to 18 months to settle, and even longer if the victim is disabled or passes away as a result of the accident.
Why Does It Take So Long to Settle these Cases?
Healing from a truck accident in a physical sense is hard enough, but the stress of waiting for payment that you are legally owed can be extremely frustrating.
In all honesty, you can choose to accept a settlement at any time, and it’s tempting to jump on an offer early in the case. But rushing into a settlement is a decision many people regret, as it means reduced compensation for medical expenses and other important damages. We know it will be difficult, but patience and diligence are the keys to succeeding in a BBT Insurance Services truck accident claim and maximizing the funds you need and deserve.
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Case Values and Their Impact on the Timeline to Settle a Truck Accident Claim
The amount of compensation you are eligible to receive is a critical factor in how long a truck accident case takes to settle. Because insurance companies need to stay profitable, BBT Insurance Services will try to settle your case for the lowest amount they can get away with. So, if you are owed 6 to 7 figures in damages, the investigation, review of the evidence, and settlement negotiations will take much longer than cases where the value is under $100,000.
Do I Need to File a Lawsuit?
The answer depends on whether you and the insurance company can agree on a settlement amount without further legal action. Quite often, negotiating for a settlement starts right after an accident, even before investigation has concluded. If BBT Insurance Services is willing to play fair and make a decent offer, you may reach a settlement within 6 months.
Unfortunately, many cases are not so easily resolved, and this is where you may need to file a lawsuit. Doing so will add to the length of time to settle your claim, but agreeing to a low settlement offer is not in your best interest, especially if you have serious, long-term injuries and significant damage to your vehicle.
Will Hiring an Attorney Make a Difference?
Hiring a legal representative right from the start is the best way to work through any complications in a timely and efficient manner and get to the point where you are compensated from an accident claim. Lawyers who are skilled in commercial truck accidents understand the art of building a strong case and using the right legal strategy to settle your case as fast as possible.
If, on the other hand, you choose to handle the claim by yourself, you are likely to face resistance from the insurance company, along with stall tactics, lack of communication, and other games that weaken your resolve. This is why so many victims who represent themselves end up with inadequate settlements, if they end up receiving anything at all.
What can Delay the Settlement Process?
Understandably, most people are far more interested in how to reach the finish line rather than the problems that can hold up the settlement process. However, it’s essential to understand both sides of the issue, so with that in mind, let’s take a look at the factors that can slow things down during a truck accident case:
- Severe or disabling injuries
- High value damages
- Limited coverage for injury and property damage
- Multiple entities that are at fault
- If the claimant has pre-existing health conditions
- If the claimant shares some of the blame for the accident (comparative fault)
- Filing a lawsuit / going to trial
These are complex matters that you should discuss with a California truck accident lawyer. Contact us today and schedule a free, complimentary case review.
What is the Wait Time to Get my Check?
After both sides verbally agree on the payment amount, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks before BBT Insurance Services mails out your check. The time in between is normally spent on both sides reviewing and signing off on documents that have to do with the settlement agreement. But once all the paperwork is complete, a check should be sent out promptly by the insurance company.
Overall, getting to this point can take between a several months to over 2 years, and there are many variables that will affect your case timeline. A seasoned truck accident lawsuit attorney is the key to avoiding delays and interruptions, while ensuring that the amount paid to you is enough to help you move forward in a positive direction.
How to Expedite a Truck Accident Settlement
At the end of the day, how long it takes to settle a truck accident claim is based on many factors that are beyond our control. But there are steps you can take to make the journey as efficient as possible, and that includes hiring a lawyer with experience in truck accident claims with BBT Insurance Services. Your attorney has the skills and resources to help with every stage of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating the highest possible settlement.
The lawyers of Normandie have decades of experience in the resolution of auto accident cases, including insurance claims for commercial truck accidents. We are here to provide you with the fastest route to a settlement, while ensuring that you obtain a fair compensation amount for the harm you suffered.
Is There a Time Limit on Truck Accident Claims in California?
Yes, like any other state, California has a statute of limitations that applies to motor vehicle accidents. Under California law, you have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Except in limited cases, the SOL begins on the date of the accident. Since the clock starts ticking from the moment you are injured, it’s essential that you initiate a claim with BBT Insurance Services right away. We can help, so don’t hesitate to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Zero Fee Guarantee
All clients at Normandie Law Firm receive the Zero Fee Guarantee from the moment they contact us. What does that mean? You pay $0 when you decide that we are the right law to handle your case. The cost of legal representation is deferred until the end of your case, and only if we bring you compensation from a successful insurance claim or lawsuit. So, you lose absolutely nothing if we fail to deliver the compensation you deserve.
To take advantage of this offer, please contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation. We look forward to hearing your story and being a part of your journey to recovery.
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