It can take 6 to 12 months on average to settle an insurance claim for a truck accident with Hallmark Insurance. If the case involves catastrophic injuries, liability by numerous parties and other complex legal issues, 1 to 2 years may be needed to reach a settlement. If a settlement cannot be negotiated by the claimant and other entities that were part of the accident, a truck accident case may be tried in court. Trials add at least another year to the case resolution timeline, though it’s worth noting that only around 5% of these cases require court intervention.
Did you sustain injuries and damage to your vehicle from an accident with a commercial truck? Was your loved one killed in a truck accident, and you have reason to believe that the driver or the trucking company is at fault? If so, our legal team is ready to hear your story and answer any questions you have during a free, private consultation. Don’t hesitate to call and learn about your rights and legal options from a truck accident lawsuit attorney.
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What Factors Slow Down the Process of Settling a Truck Accident Case?
Many variables contribute to the timeline when a claimant is waiting on compensation from an accident claim. Factors that can prolong a Hallmark Insurance truck accident settlement include:
- The extent of your injuries from the accident and how they affect your personal and professional life in the long run.
- How much proof you can obtain, how long it will take to obtain the evidence, and the amount of time that’s required to review the documents, footage, medical records, and other information.
- If there is more than one party that is liable, including the claimant. Figuring out who is at fault and the percentage of liability for each individual / entity can take much longer than expected.
- If your case value is on the higher end of the spectrum ($500,000 and above), settling a claim can take over 1 year, and up to 2 years or longer if you need to move forward with a lawsuit.
- Insurance company is unwilling to negotiate in good faith, meaning that litigation is required to obtain your payment.
How a Truck Accident Case is Settled
To understand why insurance claims for a truck accident take so long to settle, you must understand the steps that are required by you, the insurance provider, and anyone else that was involved in the accident, Though the exact order of steps can vary somewhat from one case to another, the process normally involves:
Hiring a Qualified Attorney
There is no law requiring you to hire a lawyer, but it is highly recommended due to the complex nature of these cases. Legal representation can help you achieve maximum payment for your injuries, while ensuring a timely resolution to your claim.
The Investigation Phase
An investigation will be conducted by the insurance company, but you also have the right to hire a lawyer to investigate the accident on their own. Keep in mind that it takes considerable time – probably 3 months or longer – to investigate what happened and gather evidence that shows who is at fault and how you are entitled to compensation as the victim. All these factors have a direct impact on the value of your case, and therefore, how long it may take for the involved parties to agree on a settlement amount.
Negotiating for a Favorable Settlement
The most efficient solution for all the involved parties is to exchange settlement offers and try to work out a payment amount that everyone can agree on. This is how most truck accident insurance claims are settled, meaning there is no need to engage in further legal action, like filing a lawsuit.
It’s very tempting to accept an early settlement offer and put an end to this unpleasant chapter in your life. But this comes at a cost to the victim, as initial offers from an insurance company are attempts to close the case for the lowest amount. There are rare instances where companies like Hallmark Insurance do the right thing early in the case, but you should have the agreement reviewed by a lawyer to ensure that you are making an informed decision.
Asking for a Trial Date
At some point, you may need to escalate things by asking for a court date. But very few cases actually make it to trial, so it’s more than likely that you can still reach a settlement at this point. If it turns out that going to court is the only option left, it can take 3 years or longer before your case is fully resolved.
How You can Speed Up a Truck Accident Settlement
Now that we’ve talked at length about the problems that can slow things down, how can you accelerate the claims process? Are there any steps you can take to reach a settlement efficiently, with minimal delays? Here are some recommendations by our attorneys
- Seek representation from a lawyer that specializes in commercial truck accident claims.
- Respond promptly to all requests for information from your lawyer and the insurance company. That way, you can be sure that your own actions are not causing any delays or interruptions.
- Keep detailed and organized records of all evidence related to your case, like police reports, medical bills, proof of lost time at work, and statements from witnesses.
- Don’t get stuck on a specific number; instead, keep an open mind and be willing to negotiate with Hallmark Insurance.
Contact Normandie Law Firm
By now, you realize the complications that are involved when accidents are caused by semis, dump trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Our legal experts are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead of you, but rest assured that we have decades of experience in the recovery of truck accident settlements. We are with you every step of the way, and we will not rest until your financial losses are restored by Hallmark Insurance Company.
The Zero Fee Guarantee is our promise to you that no fees will be collected upfront if you choose to hire us. Legal fees are the responsibility of the defendant and included in the compensation that is paid to you from a successful claim or lawsuit. And we make nothing unless the case is settled in your favor, so there is no loss to your finances at any point when you retain our services.
For a free consultation with a California truck accident lawyer, reach out to us at your earliest convenience.
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