How Long Would My Truck Accident Case Take to Settle?

It’s hard to predict exactly how long your truck accident case would take to settle, but most cases take months, not weeks. The timeline depends on how badly you were hurt, how long you need to recover, how clear the facts are, and whether the insurance company plays fair.

If you are recovering from a crash, a Raleigh truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you understand what to expect and guide you through each step of the process, from start to finish. During a free consultation, you can review your legal options and get answers to your questions.

What Affects the Settlement Timeline for a Truck Accident Case?

Every truck accident is different, but most cases go through similar steps. These steps can take longer depending on the details of your accident and injuries. 

Here are some things that may affect how long your case takes:

• How long your medical care lasts: It’s important to understand the full extent of the treatment of your injuries before settling your case. This process can take months.
• The insurance company’s response: Some insurers delay or deny claims to pressure people into quick, low settlements.
• Investigating the crash: It can take time to gather police reports, black box data, driver logs, and other key evidence.
• Liability disputes: If the trucking company or another driver says you were at fault, it may delay your case.
• Going to court: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, a lawyer might file a lawsuit on your behalf. This adds time but may be needed to recover full damages.

Is It Possible to Speed Things Up?

You can’t control every part of the process, but there are things you can do to avoid delays:

• Get medical care right away: Delays in treatment can hurt your case and slow down your recovery.
• Follow your doctor’s advice: This helps prove that you took your injuries seriously.
• Keep careful records: Save medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts.
• Talk to an attorney early: The sooner you call a personal injury lawyer in Raleigh, the sooner we can start building your case.

What Losses Can I Recover From a Truck Crash?

While you wait for your case to settle, it helps to know what you’re fighting for. You may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses: Emergency room (ER) visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions
• Lost wages: Money you couldn’t earn while recovering
• Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional aftermath of your injuries
• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
• Future costs: For long-term care or reduced ability to work

What if the Truck Crash Caused Fatal Injuries?

If your loved one died in a truck crash, you may have the right to file a wrongful death action. These cases are different from regular injury claims, but they follow a similar timeline.

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death Damages?

In North Carolina, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate files the wrongful death claim. This person is usually a close family member, like a spouse or adult child.

What Losses Can Families Recover?

Wrongful death damages may include:

• Costs for a loved one’s final arrangements (funeral, burial, etc.)
  
• Medical expenses from before the death
  
• Lost income the person would have earned
  
• Loss of a loved one’s love, companionship and guidance
  
• Pain and suffering a relative experienced before death

Our wrongful death lawyer in Raleigh can review the accident and determine how much your family could recover. We are sorry for your loss and want to help you and your family through this difficult time.

How Long Do I Have to Sue for Injuries From a Truck Accident?

North Carolina has strict filing deadlines that you must meet if you want the court to consider your damages lawsuit. Under law, these statutes of limitations are as follows:

• Personal injury: You have three years from the truck accident date to sue for damages. (G.S. § 1-52)
• Wrongful death: You have two years from the date of death to file a legal action. (G.S. § 1-53)

If you don’t meet the deadline in your case, you could lose your chance to recover damages. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Happens if My Case Goes to Court?

The parties in most truck accident cases settle out of court. However, if the insurance company won’t offer fair damages, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit.

Here’s what that process usually looks like:

• Filing the complaint: Your lawyer files paperwork to start the lawsuit.
• Discovery: Both sides share evidence and question witnesses.
• Negotiations: Settlement talks may continue during this time.
• Trial: If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, the case can go to trial, and a judge or jury decides the outcome.

This process takes longer, but it may be the only way to hold the trucking company (or another liable party) accountable.

How Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Truck accident cases can get complicated fast. You might be dealing with multiple insurance companies, trucking companies, and serious injuries—all while trying to heal.

When we handle your case, we will:

• Investigate the crash and gather strong evidence
• Talk to the insurance companies for you
• Work with doctors to understand your injuries
• Calculate a fair value for your damages
• Negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial if needed

The choices you make after a truck accident can shape your recovery—physically, financially, and emotionally. We will help you make the right moves from the very beginning.

Recovering From a Truck Accident? Call Us to Discuss Your Case’s Timeline

If you’re wondering how long your truck accident case will take to settle, we can review the accident and give you an idea of the timeline to expect. Let us take that weight off you and handle your legal matter. We’ll give you clear answers and fight for your full award.

At Whitley Law Firm, we’ve been helping seriously injured North Carolinians seek justice for their losses for over 50 years. Our team brings over 120 years of combined experience to any case we handle, and we will call you back within 24 hours because you matter to us.

Call our team today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay any fees or costs unless we win your case.