How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Truck Crash Lawsuit in St. Louis?

You suffered severe injuries in a St. Louis truck crash, and you’re thinking about taking legal action. You likely have questions about the truck accident lawsuit timeline and how long you may be waiting to recover compensation.

Unfortunately, every case is different, so it is impossible to say what the precise commercial vehicle lawsuit settlement time will be for you. However, working with an experienced attorney can help move your case forward and enable you to return to your everyday life more quickly.

The St. Louis truck accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC understand your need for swift justice and can manage your case from start to finish. Truck crashes are a core part of our practice. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our previous clients. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they do indicate the extent of our experience with significant personal injury claims.

Let us handle the legal work while you heal and rebuild your life after a truck crash in St. Louis. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case review.

How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Typically Take in St. Louis?

Truck accidents are often more severe and more complicated than car crashes, so the legal process usually takes longer. Furthermore, the semi-truck crash lawsuit process depends on many factors specific to your situation.

Some cases conclude within a few months, while others take a year or longer. What matters is that you stay patient and let your attorney keep fighting on your behalf.

Factors That Can Affect the Timeline of a Truck Accident Claim

Many elements specific to your case can affect the truck accident settlement timeline, such as:

Severity of your injuries – Claims involving catastrophic or long-term injuries often take longer because doctors need time to determine your prognosis and future medical needs.
Length of medical treatment – The insurance companies may delay acting on your claim until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning further treatments will not meaningfully improve your condition. Both sides have a clearer picture of your total losses once you reach that point, which can kickstart the settlement process.
Disputes over fault – If the trucking company or its insurer denies responsibility, the process will slow while both sides gather and analyze evidence.
Number of parties involved – Truck accidents often include multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or maintenance providers. Crashes can also involve multiple truck accident victims making claims against the at-fault parties and their insurers. The more complex the case and the more claims involved, the longer the timeline will be.
Availability of evidence – Gathering a truck’s electronic control module (black box) data, driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage can take time, especially if the trucking company resists handing it over.
Insurance company cooperation – Some insurers delay or deny claims to avoid large payouts, which may lead to prolonged negotiations or the need for a trial.
Whether a lawsuit is filed – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit could significantly extend the timeline due to busy court schedules and lengthy pretrial procedures. On the other hand, the threat of going to trial can persuade a stubborn insurer to return to the bargaining table and resolve the case more quickly.

Stages of a Truck Accident Lawsuit

Understanding the steps in a truck accident claim can help you determine where you are in the process and how long your case might take. The basic stages of a truck accident claim are:

Investigation and evidence gathering – Before filing a lawsuit or opening settlement negotiations, your lawyer can collect key evidence like police crash reports, the truck’s black box data, the truck driver’s logs, witness statements, photos from the scene, and your medical records.
Determining liability – Next, your legal team can identify all the responsible parties. Examples may include the truck driver, other motorists, the trucking company, cargo handlers, or manufacturers of faulty parts.
Calculating losses – Your lawyer will evaluate your total losses, including your medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and future care needs. It is vital to be thorough in assessing your losses to maximize your compensation, so this step can take time.
Sending a demand letter – Once your attorneys have fully documented your losses, they can send a formal demand for compensation to the insurance companies or other responsible parties.
Settlement negotiations – The parties will likely exchange offers and counteroffers during the negotiation stage. Many truck accident claims conclude at this stage.
Filing a lawsuit (if necessary) – If a fair settlement is not possible, your lawyer can file a lawsuit to move the case into the court system. That process will involve several steps before trial, including discovery, depositions, motions, and other proceedings.

How Long Do Insurance Companies Take to Settle Truck Accident Claims?

It depends on the case. Some insurers offer quick truck accident settlements to avoid a prolonged claim or trial. However, insurers’ initial offers rarely cover the full extent of your losses. If you reject an insurance company’s first offer, your case may take months or longer as your lawyer fights on your behalf. Be patient, as insurers may use delay tactics to pressure you into accepting less than your case is worth.

Common Delays in Truck Crash Lawsuits and How to Avoid Them

While truck accident lawsuits can take a long time, there are some common delays you can avoid by taking proper steps, such as:

Incomplete medical records – Follow through with all your treatments and keep detailed records to avoid delays in proving your injuries.
Waiting too long to contact a lawyer – Reach out to an attorney immediately after a truck accident so they can begin preserving evidence and guiding your claim.
Disputes over liability – Provide photos, witness info, and other evidence to your attorney right away to help resolve disputes over fault more quickly.
Uncooperative insurance companies – Let your lawyer handle communication with the insurance companies and fight back against unnecessary delays.

How an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Expedite Your Case

Hiring a truck accident lawyer is the smartest move you can make to avoid delays in your truck accident case. Your lawyer can collect evidence and quickly respond to document requests from the insurance companies to keep the process moving. An attorney can also file a lawsuit or take other steps if an insurer is dragging things out merely for the sake of stalling.

Do not sacrifice your future by getting impatient or not hiring an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer. Call Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.