Truck accident claim filed with Essex Insurance Company may be settled within 3 to 6 months if the injuries to the victim and/or damage to their vehicle are relatively minor. In the event there are more serious injuries that require surgery and other long-term care, getting paid from an insurance claim can take between 6 to 18 months. For those with severe injuries, particularly ones that cause disability, the length of time to reach a settlement with the insurance company is normally between 1 and 2 years, and even longer if a trial is scheduled.
Timelines are based on what we have determined as estimates, according to past settlements and trial verdicts. With that in mind, the information provided here should be used as a reference tool and not a guarantee of how long your own truck accident claim will take to settle. However, it’s worth noting that accident cases involving commercial trucks generally take longer than most car accident claims.
You may find that Essex Insurance is eager to settle your case, meaning that they will reach out to you with a settlement offer shortly after the accident. Please do not agree to this offer right away, as initial settlements proposed by the insurance company are likely to be much lower than you are entitled to. Our attorneys can provide you with an honest assessment of your case value and guide you through the claims process step by step. Please give us a call and schedule a free case evaluation with a truck accident injury attorney.
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What Factors Influence How Long a Truck Accident Case Takes to Settle?
It can be incredibly frustrating to wait for a settlement, especially when you know there is insurance coverage that’s meant to compensate victims if there is an accident. So, why does it take so long to get paid from an Essex Insurance Company truck accident claim?
There is no simple answer to this question, as there are numerous variables that all contribute to the settlement timeline. Throughout this article, we will explore some of these issues, and hopefully, give you a sense of what you can expect as a claimant.
The Accident Investigation
Truck accident investigations are much more extensive than you would expect, and this is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that commercial truck ownership and operation are governed by federal regulations. The regulatory agency plays a huge role in the investigative process, which is needed to ascertain details such as:
- If the truck driver exercised good judgement in their operation of the vehicle
- If the trucking company that hired the driver complied with FMCSA regulations
- If the vehicle was being repaired and maintained on a regular basis
- If liability (fault) lies with another motorist
- If other hazards like faulty truck parts or neglected roadways may have caused the accident
Please note that trucking companies, as well as drivers, must comply with rules and regulations that are established by the FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. For example, drivers of commercial vehicles are not bound by rules, like how many hours they can drive in a row before they must take a break for a specific number of hours. Many truck accidents in California are caused by failing to follow such regulations.
Damages Resulting from the Accident
The severity of the accident and its impact on all those who are involved can be catastrophic. The greater the level of injury and property damage, the longer it will take to investigate the incident, determine who is to blame, and the level of compensation that is owed to the victim. It’s more than likely that any vehicle hit by a commercial truck will be damaged beyond repair, and the driver and passengers inside will be left with significant physical and psychological injuries. Getting a full sense of the accident and its consequences can several months, based on the degree of bodily harm and vehicle damage.
Coverage Limits
The coverage limits for bodily injury and property damage will vary, depending on the type of truck, cab and trailer, and other relevant factors. The minimum coverage required is defined by the FMCSA, so this is a big factor in how much you can ask for, which in turn, affects the amount of time it can take to settle your claim with Essex Insurance Company.
Reaching Your Maximum Level of Recovery
What medical treatments you need and for how long play a significant role in the amount of time it takes to settle a truck accident insurance claim. We know you are eager to put this whole matter behind you, but it’s essential to wait on all settlement agreement until you have completed the full course of medical treatments required by your physician. Until you are at the point where no further recovery is expected, it will be impossible to determine the extent of your on-going medical expenses, which you may need for the rest of your life.
Settlement Negotiations
After all the groundwork is established, it’s finally time to negotiate a settlement with Essex Insurance Company. How long this process will take varies from one case to another, but claims involving severe and permanent injuries can take at least 6 months of back and forth exchanges. Some cases take over 1 year before a settlement is agreeable to all the parties that are involved.
Talk to a California Truck Accident Lawyer
Understanding your rights as a truck accident victim is critical to your success if you are entitled to compensation from Essex Insurance Company. We are here to answer all your questions and fight for the maximum payment you deserve.
From the moment you contact us, we will offer you a Zero Fee Guarantee to ensure that your finances are protected. Under this policy, you are never asked to pay upfront for the cost of legal services. We demand attorney’s fees from the insurance company and anyone else that caused you harm and suffering. That way, recovering your settlement is the only way we get paid.
For more information on filing a claim for injuries and property damage from a truck accident, contact us for a free case review.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim with Grange Insurance
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim with Berkshire Hathaway Insurance
Average Value of Truck Accident Claims Against U.S. Specialty Insurance Co.