How Long Does a Truck Accident Claim Take To Settle in New York?

If you were injured in a truck accident in New York, one of the first questions you may have is: How long does it take to settle? The short answer is, it depends. Truck accident claims are typically more complex than car crash claims because multiple parties may be involved, and injuries can be more severe. The length of time your claim may take depends on various factors, including medical treatment timelines, the speed at which evidence is collected and analyzed, and whether liability is clear, among others. While some claims are resolved within a few months, others may take years. Below, we outline the key factors that determine the duration and what you can expect along the way.

The Complexity of Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may have contributed to the accident. These may include the driver, the trucking company, the owner and sometimes manufacturers or freight forwarders. Given that commercial policies are complex and the stakes are high, insurers often thoroughly investigate claims, which can impact the timeline. Additionally, when liability is clear, settlements can occur much more quickly than if multiple parties or disputed facts are involved.

Factors That Lengthen (Or Shorten) the Settlement Timeline

Some of the key factors that determine how long or short it will take to settle your truck accident claim include:

Severity of Injuries

If your injuries require long-term care, the settlement may take longer to finalize. This is actually in your favor because an accurate prognosis can help ensure that the settlement covers all your needs, including future medical needs.

Size of the Requested Settlement

If you suffered catastrophic injuries or a long-term disability, this may involve a large claim. Large claims often involve more formidable defenses from the insurance company and longer negotiations, which can extend the timeline.

Disputed Liability or Causation

In the event that the insurer argues that the truck driver wasn’t at fault or raises comparative fault issues, you may be faced with back-and-forth discovery that can be time-consuming. New York follows pure comparative negligence laws, so fault percentages play a significant role in calculating damages.

Multiple Defendants

If the case involves multiple defendants, this means more depositions, more documents and even longer negotiations, all of which can extend the settlement timeline.

It’s worth noting that in New York, insurers are expected to acknowledge a claim and begin investigating soon after notice. Once they receive all the information required to assess the claim, they are expected to accept or deny it within 15 business days. However, they can request more time if needed. This is what sets the tone for how fast negotiations will start.

Having prompt medical documentation and experienced legal counsel can help expedite the process and ensure the total value of your claim is protected.

What Should a Settlement Include?

A fair settlement should account for both economic losses, such as medical bills and lost income, and non-economic losses, including pain and suffering. If you suffered catastrophic injuries, future medical expenses and long-term care needs should also be covered.

Contact Us for Legal Help

If you were injured in a truck accident in New York, contact our skilled Long Island truck accident lawyers at Jacobson Law who can help evaluate liability, estimate damages and push for a fair settlement while avoiding unnecessary delays.