If you’ve suffered an injury in a collision with a semi-truck in New York, you are probably anxious about receiving compensation to help you move forward. You might also be wondering, How long does it take to settle a semi-truck accident? It is an important question. Recovering after a serious accident can be overwhelming, and managing expectations about the legal process can give you some much-needed peace of mind.

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand how much is at stake. Since 1959, our attorneys have fought for New Yorkers injured by negligence through aggressive and compassionate representation. Let us walk you through what to expect and how we can guide you toward recovery.

Moving Forward in the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, you are likely dealing with medical bills, missed work, and the stress of negotiating with insurance companies. At the same time, you want to get back to living your life. But you want to know how long does it take to settle a semi-truck accident? The honest answer is: it depends.

Accepting a quick settlement is often detrimental in the end. Though it can provide short-term relief, accident victims usually have additional long-term expenses exceeding the settlement amount. Unfortunately, once a settlement offer is accepted, you lose the ability to negotiate for additional funds. 

Some claims settle in a few months, while others take years. Factors like the severity of injuries, the complexity of the accident, and whether multiple parties are involved will impact the timeline. Truck accidents are not like typical car accidents. They often involve multiple defendants (the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance company, and others) and the complexities of New York’s no-fault insurance laws. 

Truck Accident Claims Are Complex and Time-Consuming

The trucking industry is heavily regulated at both the federal and state levels. Companies are often well-prepared to defend themselves after an accident and rarely offer a fair settlement upfront.

Meanwhile, injured individuals just want to heal and get back to normal. However, before compensation can be fairly determined, the following must occur:

  • A thorough investigation into the cause of the crash; 
  • Review of trucking logs, maintenance records, and black box data; 
  • Gathering and preserving evidence before it disappears; and
  • Calculating long-term medical and financial impacts.

Each step adds time to your truck accident lawsuit timeline, but you could leave money on the table if you skip any of them.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Semi-Truck Accident?

The length of time it takes to resolve a truck accident claim will vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Liability disputes. If the trucking company denies fault, litigation may be necessary.
  • Injury severity. Severe injuries often take longer because your medical treatment must stabilize before you can fully assess your damages.
  • Insurance negotiations. Some insurers delay negotiations to pressure victims into settling for less.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 5,900 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in 2022 alone. Given the high stakes, it is not unusual for these claims to take between one and three years to resolve fully.

If your case settles quickly before filing a lawsuit, it might take only six months to a year. If a trial is necessary, it could take two to three years or more, depending on court schedules and discovery disputes. That said, fighting for what you need is crucial for long-term recovery, especially if your injuries are severe. 

Do Truck Accidents Go to Trial?

Many truck accident cases do settle out of court. However, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit if the trucking company’s insurance carrier refuses to offer fair compensation.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics data, only about 3% of personal injury cases reach a trial verdict. In trucking cases, that number can be slightly higher due to the large amount of money involved and the complexity of proving fault.

Understanding the Truck Accident Lawsuit Timeline

When reviewing the timeline of a lawsuit, here are the basic stages you can expect:

  • Initial consultation and investigation last anywhere from one to three months;
  • Pre-litigation negotiations can average two to six months;
  • Filing a lawsuit;
  • Depending on the amount of evidence, discovery can be 6 to 18 months long;
  • Mediation and settlement negotiations are ongoing throughout the process; and
  • Trial preparation and trial can add another 6 to 12 months.

Every case is unique, and delays can occur. However, your attorney’s experience, diligence, and commitment to your best interests make a significant difference.

How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?

If negotiations fail and your case proceeds through the courts, you will have questions about how long the lawsuit will take. On average, a fully litigated truck accident lawsuit in New York could take two to four years.

Discovery (the exchange of evidence), motions practice, and court backlogs contribute to these extended timelines. However, having an experienced legal team like Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers by your side helps ensure that your case continues to move forward efficiently.

How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take?

Though the terms are generally used interchangeably, a semi-truck is the tractor unit, while an 18-wheeler refers to the entire combination of the tractor and its trailer. The timeline for an 18-wheeler lawsuit is similar. Eighteen-wheeler accidents are often catastrophic and may involve multiple defendants, slowing the legal process. Litigation involving 18-wheelers typically lasts 18 to 36 months if it proceeds to trial, but every case is unique.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

You do not have to manage this process on your own. If you have been injured in a truck accident and are wondering how long does it take to settle a semi-truck accident, the best first step is to contact a trusted, experienced lawyer who will fight for you.

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we are committed to pursuing the full compensation you deserve while making the legal process as smooth as possible. Call us today for a free consultation. We will listen, we will fight, and we will stand by your side every step of the way.