After a crash with a semi-truck, it’s normal to want a clear answer about timing—especially when bills are piling up and you’re missing work. The truth is that an 18-wheeler claim can move quickly in some situations and take much longer in others, depending on what happened and how badly you were hurt.
At Eisenberg Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how stressful this process can feel when you’re trying to heal and keep life moving. Our Madison truck accident attorneys bring 140 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million for injured people. We will handle the legal work, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Call us today at (608) 256-8356 to schedule a free consultation.
An 18-wheeler accident claim in Madison, Wisconsin, is rarely simple. There may be multiple insurance companies, a trucking company protecting its bottom line, and important evidence that can disappear fast. A Madison injury lawyer can step in early to protect your claim.
Here’s what Eisenberg Law Offices typically does to keep a case moving in the right direction:
No lawyer can promise a specific timeline, but strong preparation often helps prevent unnecessary delays.
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Some truck accident cases settle in a matter of months. Others take a year or longer. What controls the timeline is usually the complexity of the case.
Common factors that can affect timing include:
In many cases, a longer process can lead to a more complete picture of your losses—especially when the injuries are life-changing.
The investigation phase often begins immediately and may last from weeks to a few months, depending on the availability of evidence and the number of parties involved. Truck cases often require more extensive investigation than a typical car accident claim.
Your legal team may need to gather and review:
A careful investigation may add time upfront, but it can also prevent delays later by putting you in a stronger negotiating position.
In most personal injury claims, it’s risky to settle before you understand the full medical picture. If you settle too early and later need surgery, long-term care, or future treatment, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money.
In many cases, your attorney will want to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or at least have a clear prognosis.
That helps ensure the claim reflects:
Waiting can be frustrating, but it’s often the safest way to safeguard your long-term financial interests.
Once your injuries and damages are well-documented, settlement negotiations may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Trucking insurers may try to drag out the process or test whether you’ll accept less just to be done with it.
Negotiations may take longer if:
If the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, filing suit may be necessary to keep your case moving and to apply appropriate legal pressure.
If a lawsuit is filed, the timeline typically expands because the case enters formal litigation. This includes steps such as written discovery, depositions, motion hearings, and often mediation.
Even then, many cases settle before trial—sometimes after the parties exchange evidence and the insurer sees the strength of the claim. Litigation can take many months to more than a year, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case.
While the court adds time, it can also be the most effective way to get a stalled case back on track.
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for an 18-wheeler accident claim, but you shouldn’t have to guess about what’s happening with your case. Obtaining legal guidance early can help you understand the steps ahead and avoid mistakes that could slow down the process.
To learn more about settling your 18-wheeler accident case in Madison, WI, reach out to Eisenberg Law Offices today. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Madison truck accident lawyers.
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