Truck accident cases can be some of the most complex and lucrative personal injury claims. One of the most common questions our clients ask is, “How long will my case take to settle?”
At Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how important that answer is. Our Lake County truck accident attorneys have over 64 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $125 million for clients across Illinois. While every case is unique, understanding the factors that influence the settlement timeline can help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions.
Contact our law office serving Lake County, IL, today at (847) 513-9582 to arrange a free consultation.
How Kass & Moses Can Help After a Truck Crash in Lake County, Illinois
Trucking companies are generally well-insured, which could significantly increase your potential pool of compensation. However, for that same reason, it’s likely that they will try to minimize their liability in any way possible. Our Lake County truck accident attorneys can help you level the playing field and take appropriate legal action.
When you hire Kass & Moses, we can:
- Investigate your accident and identify all of the liable parties
- Gather crucial evidence like black box data and trucking logs
- Work with medical and financial experts to calculate all of your damages
- Handle communications with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve
Our team has over six decades of combined experience handling complex trucking cases throughout the state of Illinois. We know how to overcome the insurance company’s tactics and help move your case forward efficiently.
Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Truck Accident Settlement Process
Most truck accident cases in an at-fault state like Illinois begin with an insurance claim against the at-fault driver, trucking company, and/or another responsible party. Before a settlement can be reached, your attorney must investigate the crash and gather the evidence needed to prove liability.
This process typically involves:
- An investigation of the accident
- Medical review of your injuries
- Filing a claim
- Settlement negotiations
- Litigation in court (if necessary)
Each of these stages takes time. A relatively straightforward case may settle within a few months, while a more serious claim could take a year or longer.
Factors That Affect How Long a Case Takes To Settle
No two 18-wheeler accident claims are identical, but certain factors typically influence how long it takes to reach a resolution. These include the following:
The Severity of Your Injuries
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic harm, such as brain injuries and spinal cord damage. The more serious the injuries, the longer it will take to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Settling too soon could mean accepting less than your case is worth.
Liability Disputes
Multiple parties may be responsible for a truck accident. Determining who is legally at fault can take months of investigation, especially if the parties deny liability or attempt to shift the blame.
Insurance Company Tactics
Trucking companies and their insurers are motivated to maximize their profits, not your compensation. They may utilize various tactics to that end, such as offering you less than what you’re entitled to and delaying communication as much as possible.
The Complexity of the Case
Commercial trucking claims often involve federal safety regulations and other complicated documentation. Reviewing this information takes time but is essential to proving negligence and securing fair compensation.
Whether a Lawsuit Is Filed
Most cases settle out of court. However, if the other side refuses to negotiate in good faith, your attorney may need to file a lawsuit. This usually extends the timeline but can sometimes lead to a higher financial recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law generally gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. Failing to meet this statute of limitations could bar you from recovering any compensation.
However, certain exceptions can change this timeframe. For example, if the at-fault party is a government entity, you might have less time to file your lawsuit. The sooner you speak with a truck accident attorney in Lake County, the better your chances of preserving vital evidence and meeting all of the applicable legal requirements.
Contact Our Lake County Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lake County, IL, you deserve maximum compensation for your losses. At Kass & Moses, we’ll take the time to explain your legal options and handle every part of the process for you.
Our Lake County truck accident attorneys have over 64 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $125 million for our clients to date. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing in terms of attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.
Reach out today to get started with a complimentary consultation. Our team is standing by, ready to assist you as soon as possible.
