Truck accident lawsuits in Tennessee can take longer than other kinds of motor vehicle accident claims, though most are resolved within a matter of months. However, some can take longer than that if it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, while others could take less time if liability is especially clear.
Learn more about how long a truck accident lawsuit in Tennessee takes to reach a final outcome below. If you need help getting started with your claim, contact a truck accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
Why Truck Accident Cases Take Longer Than Most
As mentioned above, truck accident cases often move more slowly than other types of personal injury cases. The main reason is that these accidents usually involve several different parties, such as the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, and even someone like a cargo loader. Each one might share part of the blame, which requires more time for investigation and negotiation.
These cases also tend to involve more severe injuries, which means higher stakes and stronger resistance from the insurance company.
What Kinds of Factors Can Affect the Timeline?
Several factors influence how long a truck accident lawsuit takes in Tennessee, including:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- The number of liable parties involved
- Whether you share any blame for the accident
- The willingness of the insurance company to settle
- Terms/limits of any applicable insurance policies
- The court’s scheduling backlog
- The complexity of proving fault and calculating all of your damages
If you hire an experienced truck accident attorney, they can guide you through the process and help you work toward an outcome that includes maximum compensation.
Key Phases of a Tennessee Truck Accident Lawsuit
Although each case is different, most truck accident lawsuits in Tennessee follow a general process that includes several stages:
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Your lawyer will begin by gathering evidence such as the truck’s “black box” data, maintenance logs, dashcam footage, and witness statements. This step can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Negotiation With the Insurance Company
Once the evidence is in, your attorney will send a demand letter outlining your injuries and financial losses. The insurance company may take time to respond or attempt to settle for less than you deserve, leading to prolonged negotiations.
Filing the Lawsuit
If settlement talks fail, your attorney will file a formal lawsuit in civil court. After filing, both sides exchange information through a process called “discovery,” which can last several months.
Mediation or Trial
Many cases settle during mediation, but if they don’t, the case proceeds to trial. Trials are unpredictable and can extend the overall timeline, depending on court availability and the amount of evidence presented.
Contact a Tennessee Truck Accident Lawyer To Learn About Your Legal Rights and Options
Truck accident lawsuits take time because they are usually worth high amounts of money and can involve unique legal issues surrounding liability, among other considerations. The good news is that a skilled Tennessee truck accident lawyer can handle the details for you and keep the case moving forward efficiently.
Contact Woodard Injury Law today to set up a free consultation. Our truck accident lawyers work on contingency, so we only get paid if you do.