How Long Does it Take to Settle a Semi Truck Accident Case in Massachusetts?

Semi truck accidents can be very dangerous. Injuries sustained by victims can be life-altering, physically, financially, and emotionally. There are also common causes of truck accidents. Because of this, victims need to get compensation for their injuries as soon as possible. Knowing how long it takes to settle such a case can be helpful for victims who intend to sue.

No two semi truck accidents are the same. In Massachusetts, settling can be longer or shorter, depending on who the defendant is. Victims are entitled to sue all responsible parties, such as an at-fault driver or a negligent parent company. to hasten the process, compile evidence like medical bills and lost wages after an accident. Victims should also know that they have three years from the date of injury to file a semi truck accident lawsuit in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts semi truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan stand up for victims’ rights. Whether an accident was due to a driver’s or parent company’s negligence, our Lynn, MA truck accident lawyers can help get you the compensation you deserve as fast as possible. For a free consultation, call the Boston truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.

How Long Can it Take to Settle a Semi Truck Accident Lawsuit in Massachusetts?

Each semi truck accident case is different. Depending on the collision, either the individual driver or the parent company of the semi truck could be held liable in court in Massachusetts. Because each case is different, the settlement time varies as well.

Suing an At-Fault Driver

When a semi truck driver is exclusively at fault for an accident, it can be quicker for plaintiffs to settle. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning drivers must carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to cover their medical bills and up to 75% of their lost wages after an accident. Depending on the severity of a victim’s injuries, they can sue a negligent driver for compensation. Massachusetts drivers are also required to carry liability insurance, up to $20,000 for an individual victim, or $40,000 if more than one person is injured. Because semi trucks are so large, accidents involving these vehicles can be very dangerous for victims in passenger cars.

Suppose a semi truck driver is solely to blame for an accident, meaning that negligence on behalf of the parent company didn’t contribute to a collision. In that case, that driver will be the defendant in a lawsuit. of course, you can try to file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance. The higher the policy limit, the less likely an insurance company will payout to a victim. So, filing a lawsuit with the help of the Cambridge truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan may be the only way to adequately receive compensation for your injuries and lost wages. When the sole defendant is the negligent driver, settlements can happen more quickly.

Suing a Trucking Company

If the negligence of the semi truck’s parent company contributed to the cause of a collision, you could also sue that company for compensation. Parent companies can be held liable in court if they fail to meet certain regulations. This is called vicarious liability. Hiring inexperienced or improperly trained drivers constitutes negligence. so does failure to monitor the load size on a semi truck. After the Wakefield truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan investigate the cause of an accident, the parent company may also be a defendant in a potential lawsuit.

Large parent companies often have many semi trucks that travel the country, delivering products from one place to another. However, because parent companies often own semi trucks, they’ll likely purchase additional liability insurance on top of the amount mandated by the State of Massachusetts. These companies are likely prepared for lawsuits and may be less inclined to settle. Depending on the severity of your injuries, and the available evidence, it could take longer to settle a semi truck accident case in Massachusetts if a parent company is also a defendant. That’s why it’s helpful to work with an experienced legal team to get you the compensation you deserve after a semi truck accident in Massachusetts.

Victims should know that the Massachusetts statute of limitations to file a lawsuit after a semi truck accident is three years from the date of injury, according to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. If you don’t file within that time, you can lose your right to compensation via litigation.

How Can I Quickly Settle a Semi Truck Accident Lawsuit in Massachusetts?

Whether an individual at-fault driver or a parent company is sued in a semi truck accident case in Massachusetts, there is one way to speed up the settlement process. If there is ample evidence to prove your claim, a defendant may be more inclined to settle out of court sooner. However, the more severe an injury, the larger the settlement amount will likely be. that can deter defendants from settling quickly.

The more evidence to support your claim, the quicker you can likely settle a semi truck accident lawsuit. Compiling this evidence is important and can help the Malden truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan get you the compensation you deserve faster. But what evidence can you collect as a victim? Perhaps the most important things any victim can do after being injured in a semi truck accident are calling the police and seeking medical attention. Alerting law enforcement to the scene of an accident is important. Police officers can complete a crash report. They will take witness statements and document the events of a collision. This crash report can act as vital evidence to speed up the settlement process should you intend to sue.

Immediately seeking medical attention is also crucial. Semi truck accidents can cause serious injuries to victims. Visiting a hospital will get you the medical care you need and establish the severity of your injuries. It’s important to keep a record of your medical bills and lost wages, too. This can show the financial impact a semi truck accident has had on your life. Contact our Quincy, MA personal injury lawyer for more information.

Our Attorneys Can Help You Settle a Semi Truck Accident Lawsuit in Massachusetts

After getting injured in a semi truck accident, the idea of a long legal process can deter victims from seeking the compensation they deserve. Our lawyers can help make that process go more quickly. For a free consultation, call the Massachusetts truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.