How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take in Florida?

Traffic accidents are an unfortunate fact of life that may delay your vacation plans or make you late for work. When you are in an accident caused by a semi-truck, you could be looking at medical expenses and the cost of fixing or replacing your car. You will likely have to go through the insurance company for reimbursement. You may wonder, “How long does a truck accident settlement take in Florida?”

Car Accidents Versus Truck Accidents

A car accident involves traditional passenger vehicles. By contrast, a truck accident involves a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, construction vehicle, or other large commercial vehicles. The differences between car accidents and truck accidents also create differences in how long a settlement takes. These differences include:

• The investigation process. The police investigation takes longer during a truck crash because the actions of the truck driver have to be investigated and a determination made if the driver was driving responsibly.
• Size and weight of the vehicles. Trucks are much harder to control than passenger vehicles, and these difficulties often influence truck accidents. One such difference is the increased distance needed to stop. Trucks also weigh significantly more.
• Potential injuries. The injuries sustained during a truck accident are likely to be more severe than during a car accident.
• State and federal regulations. Truck drivers are required to adhere to the same state laws that apply to all drivers, but are also required to adhere to federal regulations that govern truck driving.

According to data collected by the National Safety Council, there were a total of 44,762 motor-vehicle crash-related deaths in the United States in 2023. Of those deaths, 5,472 were attributed to large trucks, and 341 of the truck-related deaths happened in Florida.

How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take in Florida?

There is no standard amount of time that a truck accident settlement takes before it is resolved. The actual amount of time from the accident until a settlement is reached and paid depends on several factors, including:

• The type of injuries sustained. If only minor injuries are sustained, a settlement may be reached more quickly compared to more severe injuries. With severe injuries, future medical needs should be considered before a settlement is reached, or the settlement might be too low to cover ongoing care.
• Complexities of the case. A truck accident claim may take longer to resolve because there are more parties involved that need to investigate and come to an agreement. The truck driver, the company that employs the driver, the truck manufacturer, any third-party maintenance companies, and the cargo loading company may be to blame for factors leading to the accident.
• Legal proceedings. If a settlement amount is not reached through negotiations, it may be necessary to take legal action to receive fair compensation. If a case is filed, there is additional time for discovery, possible mediation, and a trial. Florida Statute 95.11 puts a limit of two years from the date of the accident to file in civil court.

Common Mistakes After a Truck Accident

Making common mistakes after a truck accident could delay how quickly you receive a settlement. These mistakes include:

• Not calling law enforcement to report the accident
• Failure to seek medical aid
• Not gathering evidence at the scene

A Tampa truck accident lawyer from our law firm can ensure you avoid errors like these.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident in Florida?

A: There is no average settlement amount after a truck accident in Florida. Each case is examined individually before a settlement amount can be determined. Factors like who is at fault, the severity of injuries, insurance coverage limits, and the driver’s actions are all considered. Your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and property damage value are also considered.

Q: How Long Does the Insurance Company Have to Pay a Settlement in Florida?

A: According to Florida Statute 627.4265, an insurance company has 20 days after a settlement agreement has been made in writing to tender payment. An exception to the 20-day rule can be made if both parties agree to the exception. If payment is not made within the 20-day limit, the insurance company will be required to pay 12% interest in addition to the settlement starting from the date of the agreement.

Q: Should I Take the Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?

A: It can be tempting to take the settlement amount offered by the insurance company following a truck accident, but you should wait until your case has been reviewed by a knowledgeable truck accident attorney. Truck accidents can result in large medical costs, lost wages, and the expenses of replacing damaged property. Accepting an offer too quickly may result in you not receiving a large enough settlement to cover all of your expenses.

Q: What Type of Lawyer Do I Need After a Truck Accident in Florida?

A: If you have been injured in a truck accident in Florida, you will want to hire a personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accident cases to represent you. Truck accidents involve complex legal issues not typical of car accidents. Having an experienced lawyer to help navigate truck accident laws is beneficial. Truck accidents typically involve several different insurance agencies and are governed by numerous state and federal regulations.

Q: How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Charge in Florida?

A: There is no standard charge for a Florida truck accident attorney. A truck accident lawyer will usually charge a contingency fee for their services. Instead of paying an hourly rate, you will pay a percentage of your settlement after you win your case. If you do not win your case, you will not have to pay anything. You and your attorney will agree on a percentage before they begin working on your case.

Your Dedicated Legal Team: Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether you’re on the way to enjoy a day at Busch Gardens or heading home after a day spent hiking at Lettuce Lake Park, experiencing a truck accident can severely impact your life. When you need representation by a Florida truck accident attorney, hire a truck accident lawyer at Paul Figueroa Law for guidance and support.

Our founding attorney has been practicing law for over a decade, and we’ve helped thousands of clients injured through no fault of their own. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.