|
|
Last Modified on Feb 20, 2026
Being in a truck accident can be a terrifying ordeal that can be difficult to move past, if you are able to at all. The sheer power and size of a commercial truck give it the ability to destroy everything in its path if the driver loses control. If you survive the accident, you may want to pursue legal action against the negligent party that caused the accident. You may ask yourself, “How long does a truck accident settlement take in Detroit, MI?” It depends on multiple factors.
What Affects the Duration of Truck Accident Settlements in Detroit, MI?
The time it takes for your truck accident settlement in Detroit can vary greatly. Every truck accident case is different. Each case has its own set of details and circumstances that make it unique. The case takes as long as it needs to take to fully finalize, and even then, you might not get the settlement you expected. Just because a case similar to yours resulted in a favorable settlement, it doesn’t mean that yours might follow suit.
It is important to remember that the statute of limitations for a personal injury case, including a truck accident case, is three years in the state. That gives you three years to establish your case, develop a claim, gather the evidence you need, speak with a skilled truck accident lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you cannot file your claim before three years have passed, there is a good chance you’ll never file at all.
If you fail to file your claim before the three-year window closes, there is a decent chance that your case could be dismissed entirely, and your only opportunity to file for compensatory damages completely passes you by. Building a solid personal injury case takes a great deal of time, so it is wise to start building your case as soon as you possibly can. If you are worried you don’t have enough evidence, take your case to a skilled Detroit personal injury lawyer and let them decide.
Truck Accident Settlement Timeline in Detroit
While there’s no guaranteed timeline, most truck accident claims progress through several distinct phases. Knowing what to expect in these phases can help reduce stress, meet important deadlines, and improve the likelihood of a fair outcome under Michigan’s truck accident laws. Understanding how personal injury settlements are typically paid out can also help you set realistic expectations before negotiations begin. With the guidance of an experienced Detroit truck accident attorney, you can navigate these phases with efficiency and ease.
- Immediate response and documentation. This phase could take a few days to a few weeks, and it includes:
- Filing a police report
- Seeking medical attention right away so you can document your injuries
- Notifying insurers of the accident
- Collecting photos, witness contact information, and scene details
Your Detroit truck accident attorney can advise you on exactly what you need to document to strengthen your truck accident claim.
- Truck accident case investigation. This phase can take a few weeks to a couple of months. During this phase:
- Crash scene evidence is gathered and analyzed
- The records of the trucking company, like logbooks, driver schedules, and maintenance reports, are requested
- Potential defendants are identified, including trucking companies, contractors, and manufacturers
A thorough investigation can help make sure that your truck accident claim is well-supported under Michigan’s truck accident laws.
- Medical treatment and the documentation of damages. This phase could take weeks or many months. The accurate documentation of your injuries and damages is essential, and this phase involves:
- Ongoing medical treatment and follow-up appointments
- Collecting detailed medical records and reports
- Assessing your future care needs and your long-term prognosis
Your attorney can help see that all medical evidence is properly compiled and that all damages are accurately calculated for negotiations or trial.
- Demand package and negotiations. This phase could take a while, depending on when all the key records are ready. Once sufficient evidence is collected, your Detroit truck accident attorney prepares a demand package, which includes:
- Detailed injury reports
- Property damage estimates
- Medical bills and wage loss documentation
Insurance adjusters then review the package, and negotiation cycles could involve counteroffers. This is often the first opportunity to discuss a meaningful settlement in your truck accident claim.
- Filing a civil claim, if needed. This could take a while and is reserved for situations where negotiations don’t reach a fair resolution. This phase includes:
- Drafting and filing the complaint
- Serving the defendants
- Managing responsive pleadings
While not every truck accident case reaches this stage, your attorney can make sure that all the procedural steps taken comply with Michigan’s truck accident laws.
- Discovery. This phase could take a few months to a year, as truck accident claims often require extensive discovery. This can include:
- Depositions of drivers, witnesses, and accident reconstruction professionals
- Professional analyses, including accident reconstruction and medical opinions
- Pretrial motions and challenges to evidence
This phase often sets the stage for either settlement discussions or trial.
- Mediation, facilitation, and settlement. The timeline for this phase varies widely, as many truck accident cases settle at major procedural milestones, whereas mediation or facilitated settlement discussions allow both sides to negotiate with the guidance of legal counsel.
- Settlement finalization and payment. This could take weeks to months as well, and once an agreement is reached:
- Settlement documents and releases are signed
- Liens and outstanding medical bills are resolved
- Funds are distributed to the injured parties
An experienced Detroit truck accident attorney can make sure you receive the settlement you’re entitled to under Michigan’s truck accident laws.
While the timeline of your truck accident claim can vary depending on how complicated your case and your injuries are, knowing that you can expect to encounter these key phases can help you prepare.
Factors That Can Influence Your Settlement
Many truck accidents are settled rather quickly, while others may take a long time to finalize. There is no way to tell how long yours could take, but the more complications a case has, the longer it can take to fully deal with them. Here are some factors that can influence how long your case might take to settle:
- Additional legal action. Depending on the details of the case, there is a possibility that additional charges could be filed that would slow down the progression of your case. For instance, if the truck driver attempted to flee the scene or failed to report the accident, they could face legal action. In these situations, working with a reliable Detroit hit-and-run lawyer can help ensure every avenue of recovery is pursued on your behalf.
- Medical treatment. Before settling your case, it is important that you do what you can to reach maximum medical improvement to get the full value of your case. Essentially, that means you should heal as well as you can before taking on the stress of the case. Knowing what to expect physically during your recovery can help you make informed decisions about when the right time to move forward with your claim may be. Taking on the case after you have healed gives everyone a clearer picture of your limitations and ongoing healing journey.
- Negotiations. The negotiation process can take a long time if both parties are unwilling to compromise. The truck driver’s insurance carrier may be trying to guilt or intimidate you into dropping your case. They may demand more time to consider all the facts before reaching a settlement number you know you won’t accept.
FAQs
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
There is no telling how much your truck accident settlement might be in Detroit, MI. Ultimately, it depends on a host of important factors that need to be considered, such as your lawyer’s negotiation experience, the amount of evidence you have that proves negligence, and the severity of your injuries, among other factors. Every case is different, so the factors in each case vary.
How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Michigan?
Depending on the specifics of the case in Michigan, insurance companies generally have 90 days to settle a claim once it has been filed. They have 30 days to acknowledge the claim and send the policyholder the proper paperwork. Then, they have 60 days to decide on the claim and submit payment. The more complex a case is, the longer it can take to settle it.
How Long Do Most Truck Accident Settlements Take?
The amount of time it takes a truck accident case to settle depends entirely on the details of the case and the tenacity of your lawyer. Many truck accident settlements are finalized quickly, while others can take a long time to figure out. It depends on how aggressive the insurance company is, how experienced in negotiation your lawyer is, and how severe your injuries are.
How Can I Get More Money from a Truck Accident Case?
If you want to do whatever you can to pursue your full settlement amount, the smartest thing you can do is hire a tenacious truck accident lawyer for your case. A good lawyer can come up with a plan to make sure you get as much as you deserve in the settlement. Remember that you never have to accept a settlement amount you feel is insulting or underwhelming.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at Wigod & Falzon
It can be a really painful experience being in a truck accident. You may feel confused, isolated, overwhelmed, and scared. Pursuing legal action against the negligent party is a big step, and you should consult with a truck accident lawyer who can help you. The settlement process may take time, but it could be worth it in the end.
The legal team at Wigod & Falzon can help you build up your case, gather the evidence you need, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of by insurance companies. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
