How Long do Truck Accident Cases Take to Settle in Minnesota?

The impact of a truck accident on your life can be overwhelming. In addition to the physical pain you may be enduring, it can also be financially devastating. Understandably, you may be wondering how long it will take for you to receive compensation. All cases are unique, but generally, a truck accident case will take more than a year to settle in Minnesota 

Is Minnesota a No-Fault State?

Minnesota is a no-fault state. That means drivers turn to their own auto insurance companies to collect compensation after a truck accident, regardless of who caused the collision. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will pay for medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, up to your policy’s limits. However, it will not cover pain and suffering or emotional distress. Victims are allowed to step outside of the no-fault system if: 

• You incur $4,000 or more in reasonable medical expenses; and/or,
• You suffered 60 days of disability, a permanent injury, or disfigurement.

If your personal injuries qualify, you can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer to obtain compensation beyond your PIP policy. 

What Factors Impact How Long It Takes for a Truck Accident Case to Settle?

There are various factors that can shorten or lengthen the amount of time it takes for your case to settle. For example: 

Waiting on Recovery

Your attorney will advise you to wait to resolve your claim until you recover or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). That way, you understand the full cost of your injury to determine the amount of compensation you need to cover your losses. A severe injury will prolong settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer. On the other hand, a minor injury will significantly shorten the time it takes to resolve your claim since you will file under no-fault insurance with your auto insurer. 

Liability is Disputed 

If the at-fault party’s insurance company is disputing liability or multiple parties are liable, your case can become significantly more complex.

Litigation

If you cannot reach a fair agreement with the at-fault party’s insurer, you may have to file a lawsuit and go to court. From start to finish, a lawsuit in and of itself can take a year or longer to finish. 

How Much Is My Claim Worth?

Each case is unique, so there is no exact formula to calculate a claim’s worth. However, an attorney can give you an accurate estimate after taking the following factors into consideration:​

• The severity of your injuries and expected length of recovery.
• Whether you need ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, or have suffered permanent disabilities.
• How your pain and suffering impacts your daily life. 
• How much income you have lost from being unable to work and are expected to lose in the future due to your injury.
• The strength of evidence against the at-fault party.
• Any aggravating factors (e.g., the truck driver was drunk).
• The at-fault party’s policy limits. 

Working with an attorney will significantly increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation. Fortunately, most truck accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they will cover the costs of pursuing your claim. Therefore, it will not cost you any money out-of-pocket, and you will not owe any legal fees if you do not receive a settlement or award.