After a truck accident, one of the first questions on your mind might be, “How long will it take to get my settlement?” And understandably so. You’re likely juggling medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident. Waiting for a settlement can feel like just one more burden in an already overwhelming situation.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The timeline for receiving a settlement depends on several factors, and while it might be frustrating to hear, rushing the process could leave you with far less than you deserve.
Our Charlotte truck accident lawyers break it down so you can understand what to expect—and what steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays.
Why Truck Accident Settlements Take Time
Settlements take time because they’re about more than just cutting a check. Insurance companies want to protect their bottom line, and they’ll often drag their feet to minimize what they pay.
Here’s what can impact how long it takes to receive a settlement after a trucking accident:
- Assessing the Full Extent of Your Injuries: Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or back pain, might not show their full impact right away. It’s essential to wait until your doctors have a clear understanding of your condition. Settling too soon could leave you without enough money for future treatments.
- Investigating the Accident: Truck accidents are complicated. There are often multiple parties involved—like the truck driver, their employer, and even manufacturers of faulty parts. Each party’s role in the accident must be thoroughly investigated, which can take time.
- Negotiating With the Insurance Company: Insurance companies rarely offer a fair settlement up front. They’ll often start with a lowball offer, hoping you’ll accept quickly. Your lawyer will likely need to negotiate back and forth to get a settlement that truly reflects what you’re owed.
- Legal Complexities: If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount, your case might need to go to court. While this can add time to the process, it’s often necessary to ensure you’re fully compensated. A skilled Charlotte personal injury lawyer can make the process smoother by helping you avoid costly mistakes and delays in the process.
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What Can Delay Your Truck Accident Settlement?
Some delays are unavoidable, like waiting for medical treatments to be completed or investigations to conclude. But others happen because insurance companies use tactics designed to wear you down and save themselves money.
Common delays to receiving a truck accident settlement include:
- Slow responses from the insurance company: Adjusters may drag their feet when reviewing evidence or responding to inquiries.
- Disputes over who was at fault: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making it easier for insurers to argue over liability.
- Challenges in gathering evidence: Critical evidence, like driver logs, maintenance records, or surveillance footage, may be withheld or take time to collect.
- Disagreements about the value of your claim: Insurers may dispute the severity of your injuries or the cost of your damages.
These delays aren’t just frustrating—they’re intentional. Insurers know you’re likely feeling financial pressure and hope you’ll settle for less out of desperation.
Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help expedite the process and ensure that delays are minimized as much as possible.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a Truck Accident Settlement?
While every case is unique, here’s a general breakdown of settlement timelines:
- Simple cases: If fault is clear and the injuries are minor, a settlement might take a few months.
- Moderate cases: For more serious injuries or disputes over fault, it could take six months to a year.
- Complex cases: Cases involving severe injuries, multiple parties, or litigation could take a year or more.
It’s important to remember that while waiting can be hard, patience often pays off. Rushing to accept a low offer could mean leaving money on the table—money you might need for future medical bills, lost earnings, or ongoing care.
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What Should You Do While You Wait?
Wondering what you should do after a commercial truck accident? The waiting game can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to stay proactive and protect your claim:
- Follow All Medical Advice: Keep up with your treatments and attend all appointments. This not only helps your recovery but also strengthens your case by showing the full extent of your injuries.
- Document Everything: Save all medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs, and any correspondence with the insurance company. Having detailed records will make it easier to prove your claim.
- Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company Alone: Insurance adjusters might seem friendly, but their goal is to save their company money—not to help you. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without legal advice.
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Why Having Legal Help Matters
When you’re recovering from a truck accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is navigating the settlement process on your own. Insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their bottom line, and without help, it’s easy to feel outmatched.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we’ve helped countless truck accident victims fight for the settlements they deserve. We know how to push back against lowball offers, cut through insurance company delays, and make sure you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.
If you’re wondering how long it will take, or if you’re feeling pressure to accept a quick settlement, reach out for a free consultation. Don’t let the insurance company take you for a ride. Let us help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
