In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of your truck collision to file a claim against the negligent truck driver. Unfortunately, receiving financial compensation for these claims can often be slow-moving. There are many things that can complicate the claims process such as lack of evidence gathered at the scene after the accident, insurance claims adjusters and possible investigations to get to the root of the collision. If you have been involved in an accident, speak to a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer today at Anapol Weiss.
Does Each Claim Take the Same Amount of Time to Solve?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell when your claim will be successfully processed because each situation is different. For example, if you’re involved in a collision with a truck and there is need for investigation due to faulty maintenance or prohibited behavior from a driver, that would take more time than a more straightforward case. The discussion of settlements between your lawyer and the offender will only begin after you’ve been treated for any injuries and your completed medical records are sent to your lawyer. Depending on the severity of your injuries, the lawsuit could take months to years to settle.
Strict federal and state regulations on truck drivers can make the claims process equally long-winded, as there may be multiple circumstances to consider. Additionally there could also be an open investigation to see if the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or using their mobile phone while driving.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to increase the efficiency of your filing your case.
How to Speed Up the Claim Process
Although there are multiple different factors that can make your truck accident claim complex, there are pertinent aspects of information that you can collect after your accident to make your case progress faster.
- Any and all information about the truck driver you collided with (driver’s license, license plate number, insurance and registration information and address)
- Police Report
- Any witnesses? Ask if one can give a statement of what happened
- Photos, photos, photos! Take as many photos of both vehicles involved in the collision
- Make sure to document any and all injuries you’ve endured
Gathering all of the information above and giving it to your lawyer right away will help expedite the claims process and provide your lawyer with the tools they need to fight for you. The main thing to focus on after a truck collision is your safety and healing from your injuries. Along with this, do your best to gather all of the information you can from the truck driver and their company and hand all the information to your lawyer to begin their investigation. Again, now is not the time to wait to take action – contact an experienced truck accident lawyer immediately after the collision so you can start focusing on healing while your injury lawyer takes care of your settlement.