A collision with an 18-wheeler in St. Louis, Missouri, can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. One of the first questions many people ask after a truck accident is how long it will take to resolve their claim.
If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company, the St. Louis 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Call (314) 444-4444 for a free consultation, and read on for more information on how long it may take for your case to settle.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an 18-Wheeler Accident in St. Louis, MO
Truck accident cases in St. Louis, MO, are often far more complex than ordinary car accident claims. They may involve multiple liable parties, extensive evidence, federal trucking regulations, and insurance companies working aggressively to reduce payouts.
When you hire our St. Louis personal injury lawyers, we can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the accident
- Preserve critical evidence, including driver logs, electronic data, and maintenance records
- Identify all potentially liable parties and insurance policies
- Work with accident reconstructionists and other experts when necessary
- Calculate the full value of your current and future damages
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
With more than 100 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for injured clients, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers has the knowledge and resources to handle even the most challenging truck accident claims.
Our goal is to protect your rights while you focus on healing. Contact our St. Louis truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Why Do Some Truck Accident Cases Take Longer Than Others?
Factors that can influence how long your case takes include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether liability is disputed
- The number of parties involved
- The amount of available evidence
- Whether expert witnesses are needed
- The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly
- Whether a lawsuit must be filed
Generally speaking, more complicated cases require additional investigation and negotiation before a settlement can be reached.
Typical Timeline of an 18-Wheeler Accident Case
Although every claim follows its own path, most truck accident cases involve several stages.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Your attorney will usually recommend waiting until your medical condition has stabilized before attempting to settle your claim.
Settling too early could mean accepting compensation before the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs is known.
Depending on your injuries, this stage may last several months.
Investigation
While you recover, your attorney will investigate the accident.
This may involve:
- Obtaining the police report
- Reviewing photographs and video footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Preserving electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Reviewing driver qualification files
- Examining maintenance and inspection records
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
Trucking companies often control much of this evidence, making prompt investigation especially important.
Negotiations With the Insurance Company
Once your attorney understands the full value of your damages, a demand package is typically sent to the insurance company.
Negotiations may continue for weeks or months as both sides discuss liability and compensation.
Many truck accident claims are resolved during this stage without going to court.
Filing a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may become necessary.
Filing suit does not necessarily mean your case will go to trial. In fact, many cases settle during the litigation process after additional evidence is exchanged.
Trial
If settlement negotiations remain unsuccessful, your case may proceed to trial.
Although trials take additional time, they may be necessary to obtain full compensation.
Why Truck Accident Cases Often Take Longer Than Car Accident Claims
Truck accident claims frequently require more investigation than ordinary motor vehicle accidents.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the tractor or trailer
- Cargo loading companies
- Maintenance contractors
- Parts manufacturers
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations may also become relevant, requiring attorneys to review driver hours-of-service records, inspection reports, and other trucking-specific evidence.
The greater the complexity, the longer the claim may take to resolve.
Can You Speed Up Your Truck Accident Claim?
While no attorney can guarantee a faster settlement, certain steps can help avoid unnecessary delays.
You can help your case by:
- Seeking medical treatment immediately
- Following your doctor’s recommendations
- Keeping records of medical bills and lost wages
- Avoiding discussions about the accident on social media
- Providing requested information to your attorney promptly
- Allowing your lawyer to communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf
Working closely with an experienced attorney can keep your claim moving forward while protecting its value.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, Missouri law may allow you to recover compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Depending on your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced truck accident attorney in St. Louis can evaluate your losses and pursue the full compensation available under the law.
Contact a St. Louis 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
No two truck accident cases follow the exact same timeline. While some claims settle relatively quickly, others require extensive investigation, negotiation, or litigation to reach a fair outcome. The most important priority is not settling fast—it is seeking the compensation you need to move forward.
If you were injured in an accident in St. Louis, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case, explain what to expect, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today for a free consultation with a St. Louis 18-wheeler accident attorney.
