On average, it takes around 6 to 12 months to settle a truck accident claim filed with Markel Insurance Company. However, more complex injury claims take longer to investigate, and the amount of compensation for the victims is higher than normal. That’s why it can sometimes take over 2 years before a settlement is negotiated. How much you can recover is based on multiple factors, like the injuries you sustained, the value of property damage to your vehicle, and mental health issues stemming from the accident.
We understand how eager you are to reach a settlement and put this whole matter behind you once and for all. At the end of the day, there is no way to accurately predict how long the settlement process will take. But we can go over some of the variables that impact the case resolution timeline when you are the victim in a commercial truck accident.
How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take to Settle?
Each accident claim is unique, with its own set of factors that impact the investigation and settlement negotiation process. Some of the clients we represent settle their case within a matter of months, but we would have to say that the majority of cases take one or more years from start to finish.
Let’s take a look at the most important elements that can prolong the amount of time to settle a truck accident claim with Markel Insurance.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
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The Investigation
Insurance companies must investigate the accident and verify the details of what happened, which allows them to determine who is at fault. Investigations involving commercial trucks take longer to complete because vehicles of this size and weight cause significantly more damage than the average automobile. Here are some of the complications that must be resolved by the insurance company:
- Was the accident caused by the driver’s negligence?
- Was the driver in compliance with FMCSA regulations, like driving only a certain number of hours in a row?
- Is the driver’s employer in compliance with safety rules and regulations?
- Was there a lack of maintenance or faulty maintenance / repair that caused the accident?
- Did manufacturer negligence (defective truck part, for example) play a role in the accident?
The Severity of Injuries
If you ended up with serious, long-term injuries, it’s likely that settling your case will take 12 or more months. The longer timeline has to do with numerous variables, including how long it takes you to reach MMI (maximum medical improvement). This is the stage where you have achieved as much recovery as possible, and no further progress can be made. At this point, you can accurately assess what your medical expenses will be, not just for the past treatments, but for any medical care you will need in the future.
We advise that you put off any settlement agreements until you are at MMI, even though the insurance company will be pressuring you to accept whatever they are offering. By hiring us to represent you, all communications with Markel Insurance will be handled by us, while you focus on getting better and spending time with your family.
Liability for the Accident
Along with the truck driver, there may be other parties that are liable for the harm you suffered. Some of these accidents are caused by improper or lack of maintenance by the driver’s employer. Alternatively, the accident may be due to faulty parts or design flaws that are traced to the manufacturer. All these avenues need to be explored in order to correctly assign liability and maximize the amount you are entitled to.
If You are Partly Responsible
It’s not uncommon for all the involved parties in a truck accident to share some degree of blame for the accident. California uses the comparative fault system, meaning that insurance companies determine what percentage of fault is assigned to each party on a scale of 0 to 100%. To ensure that the insurance company’s assessment is accurate, make sure to consult a California truck accident attorney.
Settlement Negotiations
Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company can be a lengthy process, especially if you have permanent injuries that compromise your ability to work and take care of yourself or your family. The greater the injury, the more resistance you will face from Markel Insurance, as their primary interest is settling your case for the lowest amount. Fighting back against their arguments and backing up your claim with evidence is very difficult to achieve on your own. We strongly recommend that you retain the services of a car accident lawsuit attorney as soon as possible.
Litigation Phase
When you file an insurance claim, the goal is to reach an agreement on the compensation that is owed. However, it may be impossible to settle your claim with Markel Insurance directly if they are refusing to budge on the numbers. As a result, you may have to file a lawsuit, which your attorney can take care of your behalf. Please note that filing a lawsuit does not mean your case will end up in court. Even after a lawsuit is filed, around 95% of all car accident cases are settled through continued negotiations with the defendant’s insurance provider.
How can I Settle My Case Faster?
Having a skilled truck accident lawyer is one of the best ways to settle your case in a timely manner. The lawyers of Normandie have decades of experience with claims and litigation for individuals who were injured or killed in a truck accident. For more information on how we can help you in a truck accident claim with Markel Insurance, give us a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Were You Injured in a Truck Accident?
If so, our attorneys would like to advise you of your rights and legal options. We have a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers, who are ready to fight for you and the compensation you deserve.
The claims process can be hard enough on its own, and we do not want to add to your burdens. That’s why we have a Zero Fee Guarantee if you wish to hire us. Instead of charging you upfront, we will wait until your settlement is recovered before we deduct a percentage for legal fees. So, if you don’t receive compensation from a Markel Insurance truck accident claim, you owe us $0.
To schedule a free case evaluation at a time that’s convenient for you, contact our law firm today.
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