Truck Accident: Will My Case Go to Trial?

Although a courtroom comes to mind when you hear the word “lawsuit,” not all lawsuits require a trial. In fact, in many cases, lawsuits reach a settlement without one. Determining whether or not your case will go to trial often depends on factors unique to truck accidents.

Truck Accident Cases Differ From Car Accidents

Most truck accident cases are complex in nature. Due to the size and weight of a semi-truck, accidents often result in serious injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, amputations and injuries that lead to wrongful death. 

Beyond the injuries they cause, truck accidents involve multiple parties. While car accidents typically only involve two drivers, truck accidents involve the victim, the truck driver and the trucking company. Sometimes, they even involve the truck manufacturer.

Will My Truck Accident Case Require a Trial?

If you cannot reach a resolution via settlement, it is possible you’ll find yourself in a courtroom. Factors that influence whether you’ll end up in trial include: 

• Fault: With several parties involved, it’s often difficult to determine who’s at fault for the accident. Establishing fault determines who’s responsible for paying for your injuries and suffering. If evidence of fault isn’t clear and the other party or parties refuse to accept their role in the accident, a trial might be necessary.
• Type of injuries: Severe injuries that are obviously a result of a semi-truck accident may not require a trial. Yet, if your injuries aren’t severe, if there are questions regarding the cause, or if there’s insufficient medical evidence, your case may require a trial.
• Location: Truck accident cases typically span multiple states. For example, you may live in Texas, but the driver may live in Florida. These cases often require a formal lawsuit.
• Complexity: Cases that involve a high level of complexity such as those involving truck manufacturers or multiple parties may require a trial to properly establish and distribute fault.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Reach Out for Help.

Have you sustained injuries in a semi-truck accident? Before you move forward, we recommend reaching out to a professional truck accident attorney to help you navigate the complexity of your case. To learn more about truck accidents, send us a message.