How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Truck Accident Case in Florida?

Truck accidents can have devastating effects on victims. Whether it is due to the size of the truck or the severity of the accident, victims may experience serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses. After a truck accident in Florida, one of the main questions victims ask is how long it will take to resolve their case. The time it takes to resolve a truck accident case can vary significantly, depending on several factors. Understanding what these factors are and how they affect the length of the case can help victims prepare for what lies ahead. At, Serrano Law , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.

The Investigation Process

When a truck accident happens, the first step in the process is the investigation. An investigation can take time because it involves collecting evidence to determine who was at fault and what caused the accident. Evidence may include police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and, in some cases, truck maintenance records. It is important to gather as much information as possible to support the claim.

Truck accidents are often more complicated than regular car accidents. There are usually multiple parties involved, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the truck’s manufacturer if a mechanical failure was involved. This means that the investigation process can take longer because all of these factors need to be considered. While some investigations can be completed in a matter of weeks, others may take several months, especially if the case is more complex.

Medical Treatment and Recovery Time

Another factor that can affect how long a truck accident case takes to resolve is the victim’s medical treatment and recovery time. After a truck accident, victims may suffer from serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries. In many cases, victims need to undergo medical treatment, such as surgeries, physical therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation.

The reason medical treatment plays such a big role in the timeline of a truck accident case is that it is important to know the full extent of the victim’s injuries before settling the case. If a case is settled before the victim has fully recovered, they may not receive compensation for all of their medical expenses. This is why it is important for victims to wait until they have reached what is called “maximum medical improvement,” or MMI, before moving forward with their case. Reaching MMI means that the victim has recovered as much as they are likely to, and their medical condition is not expected to improve further.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

The amount of time it takes for a victim to reach MMI can vary depending on the severity of their injuries. For some, it may only take a few months, while for others, it could take a year or longer. This is why medical treatment and recovery time can significantly affect the length of the case.

Negotiating a Settlement

After the investigation is complete and the victim has reached MMI, the next step is usually negotiating a settlement. In most truck accident cases, the goal is to reach a fair settlement without having to go to court. Negotiating a settlement involves both parties, usually through their attorneys, discussing the compensation the victim should receive for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Settlement negotiations can take time, especially if there is a disagreement over how much compensation is fair. The insurance company representing the trucking company may try to offer a lower amount than what the victim’s attorney believes is fair. In these cases, negotiations can go back and forth until both sides reach an agreement.

It is important for victims to be patient during the negotiation process. Rushing to accept a lower settlement offer can result in not receiving the full amount of compensation needed to cover all expenses. On the other hand, if both sides are able to agree on a settlement, the case can be resolved much more quickly than if it goes to court.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

Filing a Lawsuit and the Court Process

If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the next step may be to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. Filing a lawsuit can significantly increase the amount of time it takes to resolve a truck accident case. Once a lawsuit is filed, the court process can take many months, or even years, depending on the court’s schedule and how complicated the case is.

After a lawsuit is filed, there are several stages of the court process that must take place. These stages include pre-trial motions, the discovery process (where both sides exchange information and evidence), and possibly even depositions, where witnesses are questioned under oath. All of these stages can take time, and in some cases, they can take several months to complete.

If the case goes to trial, the timeline can be extended even further. Trials can take weeks or longer, and after the trial, there may be additional time needed for the court to issue a ruling or for either side to file an appeal. While taking a case to court can provide a victim with the compensation they deserve, it can also significantly increase the length of time it takes to resolve the case.

The Role of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies play a big role in how long a truck accident case takes to resolve. In most cases, the trucking company’s insurance will be responsible for compensating the victim for their damages. However, insurance companies often try to minimize the amount of compensation they have to pay, which can result in lengthy negotiations or even the need to go to court.

Insurance companies may also conduct their own investigations into the accident, which can add more time to the process. They may request additional evidence, such as medical records or witness statements, to verify the claim. In some cases, they may delay the process by disputing the claim or offering a lower settlement than what is fair.

Victims should be aware that insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to protect their bottom line. This is why it is important for victims to have an attorney representing them who can negotiate with the insurance company on their behalf and ensure that they receive fair compensation.

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Factors That Can Speed Up or Slow Down the Case

While some factors, such as the complexity of the case and the victim’s medical recovery time, can cause delays in resolving a truck accident case, there are also factors that can speed up the process. For example, if both parties are willing to cooperate and come to an agreement quickly, the case can be resolved faster. Additionally, if the evidence is clear and there is no dispute over who is at fault, the process can move more quickly.

On the other hand, factors such as a dispute over liability or the need for a lengthy investigation can slow down the case. Victims should be prepared for these potential delays and understand that resolving a truck accident case can take time, especially if the case is more complicated.

What to Expect When Working with an Attorney

One of the most important things a victim can do to help their truck accident case move forward smoothly is to work with an experienced attorney. An attorney can handle the investigation, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent the victim in court if necessary. They can also help the victim understand what to expect throughout the process and keep them informed of any developments in the case.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

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Having an attorney on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of the case. They can ensure that the victim’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. While the process may take time, having an attorney can help make it as smooth as possible.

Resolving a truck accident case in Florida can take time, and the length of the process depends on many factors. The investigation, medical treatment, negotiations, and even the court process can all affect how long it takes to resolve a case. While victims may want to settle their case quickly, it is important to be patient and wait until all of the necessary steps have been completed to ensure they receive fair compensation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to speak with an attorney who can guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve. At Serrano Law, we are committed to helping truck accident victims in Florida navigate the legal process and fight for their rights. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you move forward with your case.