Is There a Typical Time Frame for How Long Truck Accident Cases Take to Resolve in California?

A truck collision can change lives in seconds, but the legal journey to secure justice often unfolds over months or even years. At Kosnett Law Firm, our clients often ask how long their truck accident case will take to resolve. While each case follows its timeline, this blog post will help you grasp the key factors influencing case duration in California.

Factors That Affect the Timeline of a Truck Accident Case in California

Most truck accident cases in California take between 6 months to 2 years to reach resolution. However, some complicated cases might extend beyond this timeframe, while straightforward cases could settle more quickly. The duration depends on multiple factors unique to your situation.

Severity of Injuries and Medical Recovery

One of the primary factors that can affect the length of a truck accident case is the severity of the injuries sustained. If the injuries are significant and require ongoing medical treatment, it may take longer to reach a resolution. This is because it is crucial to understand the full scope of the injuries and any potential long-term effects before determining an appropriate settlement. The recovery process can vary widely, with some victims healing in months while others may require years of treatment. Waiting until maximum medical improvement (MMI) allows for a clearer assessment of medical expenses and necessary future care costs, which can help ensure a fair compensation amount.

Liability Investigations and Evidence Gathering

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. It could be the truck driver, trucking company, or third-party contractors and maintenance providers. Determining liability in such cases can be a complex task that involves examining driver logs, maintenance records, witness statements, and electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems. Investigations may also need the expertise of accident reconstruction professionals, which adds another layer of time. Cases where liability is straightforward may progress more quickly than those requiring extensive investigation.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance negotiations play a significant role in the timeline of a truck accident case. Trucking companies and their insurers may attempt to minimize the settlement amount, often resulting in prolonged negotiations. The insurance companies may even deny liability, which can create a delay while evidence is gathered to support the victim’s claim. If the initial settlement offers are low, there may be several rounds of negotiation before a fair amount is agreed upon. In some cases, the delay is inevitable as insurance adjusters may need to assess the claim multiple times before an agreement can be reached.

Potential Court Backlog

If a truck accident case moves to litigation, it enters the court system, where cases may face delays due to court scheduling and backlogs. Some cases may be resolved within months of filing, while others may take years to go to trial due to high case volume. This is especially relevant in populated areas where courts are often overburdened. While alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration can shorten the timeline, they may not always be successful, leading to a full trial. Patience is often required during this stage as the court process can be lengthy.

Key Stages in the Truck Accident Case Process

Knowing the stages of a truck accident case can offer a clearer view of why these cases can be time-consuming. Each stage serves an essential purpose, helping to build a strong case for compensation. Below, we outline the typical stages most truck accident cases go through.

Initial investigation and consultation: During the initial consultation, the attorney gathers preliminary information about the accident, including police reports, medical records, and witness accounts. This stage can take a few weeks.
Filing the claim and negotiating with insurers: This stage can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the type of case and the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement.
Pre-litigation settlement efforts: This stage is often faster than going to trial, but it still requires thorough preparation to ensure the victim’s rights are protected. While some cases may reach a settlement within a few weeks, others may require extensive mediation sessions.
Litigation and trial: Trials can last days or weeks, and the outcome depends on various factors.

Patience and Persistence in Truck Accident Cases

At Kosnett Law Firm, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through each stage of this process by providing clear communication and relentless advocacy. All you have to do is get in touch with our dedicated team today. Give us a call to set up your initial consultation.