After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Florida, How Long Will It Take to Get Your Settlement?
If there’s one thing we’ve learned at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, it’s that no one expects to get hit by a tractor-trailer on an ordinary day. One minute you’re on your way home or running errands. Next, your car is crumpled, you’re in a hospital bed, and life looks very different.
And once the dust settles, the questions start. One of the biggest ones we hear is:
“How long will it take to settle my 18-wheeler accident case?”
It’s a fair question — and an important one. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. Truck accident cases can move fast or drag out, depending on a mix of legal, medical, and insurance factors. What we can tell you is this:
With the right truck accident lawyer on your side, you’ll have a better shot at both speed and success.
Why Do Tractor-Trailer Crash Cases Take Longer Than Other Accidents?
We’ve handled hundreds of crash cases across Florida. When it comes to 18-wheeler accident cases, here’s something we see again and again: these are not simple car wreck claims.
Why? First, the injuries tend to be more severe. We’re talking about thousands of pounds of steel colliding with smaller vehicles at highway speeds. When that happens, people get seriously hurt. And that means big medical bills, lost income, and often a lifetime of recovery.
Second, trucking companies and their insurers fight hard. They know these cases can be expensive, and they’ll do whatever they can to avoid paying full value. May dispute liability. The company may question your injuries. They may delay. All of that takes time to push through.
Finally, there’s the issue of multiple layers of responsibility. It’s not just about the driver. We often find that:
- The trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle
- The driver was over legal hours and fatigued
- The cargo was improperly loaded
- The company didn’t follow safety rules
Proving all of this takes time, and a skilled truck accident attorney will leave no stone unturned.
What Determines How Long It Will Take to Settle Your Truck Accident Case?
Every client wants to know how long they’ll be in this process. In truth, every semi-truck crash lawyer will tell you — it depends. Here are the biggest factors:
How Bad Are Your Injuries?
If you’re still undergoing treatment, it’s often best to wait before settling. Why? Because once you settle, you can’t go back and ask for more if you need additional surgeries or therapy. We want to know the full scope of your injuries and future needs before agreeing to any deal.
Is Liability Clear?
Some crashes are cut and dry. Others… not so much. If the trucking company is fighting blame, or there are questions about what really caused the crash, expect things to take longer. That said, a determined truck accident lawyer knows how to gather evidence, hire experts, and build the strongest case possible.
Are There Multiple Parties?
In many big rig accident attorney cases, several parties may share responsibility. We may need to pursue not just the driver’s insurer, but also the trucking company, the maintenance company, or even the manufacturer. That makes things more complex, but also increases your potential compensation.
Will We Need to File a Lawsuit?
While we aim to resolve cases out of court, sometimes filing a lawsuit is the only way to push things forward. Filing can extend the timeline, but it also puts pressure on the other side to take your case seriously.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive After an 18-Wheeler Crash?
Truck accident injuries aren’t just painful — they’re expensive. A good truck accident attorney will fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Future medical needs
And in the most severe cases, we also pursue compensation for lifelong care and support. No one should shoulder these costs alone — not when a trucking company’s negligence caused the crash.
What If They Say You Were Partially at Fault?
It’s a move we see all the time. The trucking company will argue that you were to blame — even partially — to reduce what they owe.
Under Florida law, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 51% responsible. But your award will be reduced by your share of the blame. That’s why having a smart 18-wheeler accident lawyer on your side matters — to push back against unfair claims and protect your recovery.
When Should You Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer?
The sooner, the better. Trucking companies often start building their defense on the day of the crash. If you wait too long, key evidence can disappear. Black box data can be erased. Maintenance records can be “lost.”
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we move fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
Final Thoughts: Be Patient — and Be Smart
We get it. You want this over with. You want your bills paid and your life back. And that’s exactly what we fight for.
But here’s the truth: fast settlements usually mean low settlements. The trucking company is counting on your stress and frustration. With the right truck accident lawyer on your side, you can be patient, build your case right, and walk away with the compensation you truly deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer crash, contact Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys today. The consultation is free. The advice could change everything.
