How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take?

At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, we recognize the emotional, physical, and financial impact a collision with an 18-wheeler can have on your life. We also understand the importance of clarity and prompt action during these challenging times. While each case is unique, here’s a general overview of the timeline for an 18-wheeler lawsuit and how we work to ensure your case progresses smoothly.

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Complexity

The duration of an 18-wheeler lawsuit can range from several months to a few years. Factors like the severity of injuries, the number of liable parties, insurance company resistance, and whether the case settles or goes to trial play a role.

Stage-by-Stage Breakdown of the Process

1. Investigation and Case Building (1–3 Months)

Immediately after your accident, our legal team springs into action. We gather:

Crash reports
Black box data
Maintenance logs
Witness statements
Evidence of driver fatigue, cargo violations, or improper maintenance

In truck accident cases, time is critical—evidence can disappear fast, and multiple parties may be involved.

2. Medical Treatment and Recovery (Variable)

Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) means your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further with continued medical treatment. Here’s what you need to know:

At this point, doctors can accurately assess the full extent of your injuries, long-term limitations, and the future care you may require
Pursuing a settlement before reaching MMI can result in undervalued compensation, as future medical costs and lasting impairments may not yet be clear
Depending on your injuries, achieving MMI can take weeks, months, or even longer, but it’s a necessary step to ensure your legal team can fight for the actual value of your case

3. Demand and Negotiation (1–6 Months)

Once we understand your medical costs, lost income, and other damages, we issue a formal demand to the insurance companies. Most commercial insurers will push back hard, but we push harder. This is where our reputation as aggressive trial attorneys begins to work in your favor.

4. Litigation and Trial (6 Months–2+ Years)

If the trucking company or insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and proceed toward trial.

Litigation involves:

Discovery
Depositions
Expert testimony
Court hearings

Some cases resolve in pre-trial mediation; others go all the way to a jury verdict.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Take Longer?

First, there may be multiple liable parties. Unlike a typical car accident, 18-wheeler lawsuits may involve:

The truck driver
The trucking company
The cargo loader
The vehicle manufacturer
Maintenance contractors

Each party brings its own legal team, increasing complexity and potential delays.

Additionally, these accidents commonly result in severe or catastrophic injuries. More serious injuries require longer recovery periods and higher compensation, meaning insurers will fight harder and longer to avoid paying what you deserve.

Finally, trucking companies are governed by a web of FMCSA and state-level regulations. Proving negligence often requires specialized legal knowledge and expert witnesses—something we have in-house.

When Disaster Strikes, We’re Here to Help You Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, we are ready to help, without delay and upfront costs.

At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, you’ll work with a team that combines elite legal skill with unwavering compassion, always fighting to hold powerful trucking companies accountable and restore justice to those who need it most.

Our attorneys are recognized leaders in catastrophic injury and transportation litigation. With over 120 years of combined trial experience and a proven record of securing multi-million-dollar results, we have helped hundreds of clients—and even other attorneys—take on the most challenging cases nationwide.

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