If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Houston, one of the first questions you may have is: “How long will it take to settle my case?” The truth is, no two cases are identical. Truck accident claims are often more complex than car accidents because they can involve large trucking companies, multiple insurance carriers, federal regulations, and severe injuries.
At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, our Houston truck accident attorneys regularly handle these cases, and we know that understanding the timeline helps victims set realistic expectations. Commercial truck accident claims also involve compliance with federal safety regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which adds an additional layer of complexity. Below, we outline what factors influence how long it takes to resolve a truck accident claim and what you can expect during the process.
Typical Timeline for a Truck Accident Settlement
While every case is different, most truck accident cases in Houston take anywhere from several months to over a year to settle. Some cases may resolve more quickly if liability is clear and injuries are minor, while others involving catastrophic injuries or disputed fault can take significantly longer.
Here’s a breakdown of what impacts the timeline:
Immediate Aftermath: Investigation and Medical Care
- Medical treatment: Your health comes first. The duration of your recovery often affects how long your case takes—your attorney usually waits until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before pursuing a final settlement.
- Evidence collection: Truck accident cases require gathering:
- Police reports
- Photos and video footage
- Truck “black box” data (EDR/ELD records)
- Driver logs and company safety records
- Timeframe: A few weeks to several months, depending on how quickly records can be preserved and medical conditions stabilize.
Filing the Claim and Negotiating with Insurers
- Insurance company involvement: Trucking companies and their insurers are known for fighting hard to limit payouts. They often delay, dispute liability, or undervalue injuries.
- Settlement demand: Once your attorney has a clear understanding of your medical treatment and damages, a detailed demand package is sent to the insurer.
- Timeframe: Typically two to six months after medical treatment is stabilized.
Settlement Negotiations
- Initial offers: Insurance carriers frequently start with lowball offers.
- Negotiations: Back-and-forth discussions can take weeks or months, depending on the complexity of injuries, liability disputes, and available insurance coverage.
- Timeframe: Anywhere from one to four months once negotiations begin.
Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
Not all truck accident cases in Houston settle quickly. If negotiations stall, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to protect your rights and interests.
- Litigation process: Includes discovery (document exchange, depositions, expert reports) and pre-trial motions.
- Court schedules: Harris County and surrounding courts are busy, which can cause timelines to be extended.
- Timeframe: A lawsuit may add 12–24 months or more before trial or settlement.
Trial and Verdict
- Many cases settle before trial, but if your case goes to court, the timeline extends significantly.
- Trials can last days to weeks, and appeals may follow.
- While this is the longest path, it may also result in the most significant compensation if the trucking company refuses a fair settlement.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay a Case
Several elements affect how quickly—or slowly—your Houston truck accident claim is resolved:
- Severity of Injuries
- Serious injuries often require longer treatment, which can delay settlement.
- Liability Disputes
- If multiple parties share fault (driver, trucking company, parts manufacturer), more investigation is needed.
- Evidence Preservation
- Black box data and driver logs must be requested early; delays can harm your case.
- Insurance Company Tactics
- Some carriers intentionally drag out cases, hoping victims accept less out of financial pressure.
- Houston-area courts can be congested, adding months or more to litigation timelines.
What You Can Do to Help Your Case Move Forward
While you can’t control everything, you can help your claim progress by:
- Following medical treatment and keeping records.
- Providing information quickly when your attorney requests it.
- Avoiding social media posts that could hurt your case.
- Contacting an attorney early to ensure evidence like truck black box data is preserved.
Why Working with Hernandez Sunosky LLP Makes a Difference
Truck accident cases require aggressive, knowledgeable representation. At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, our attorneys are former insurance defense lawyers. We know the delay tactics trucking companies use, and we push cases forward strategically—whether through negotiation, litigation, or trial. Our trial-ready approach often motivates insurers to resolve cases more quickly and fairly.
If you’ve been injured in a Houston truck accident and are wondering how long your case may take, contact Hernandez Sunosky LLP today for a free consultation. Our team moves fast to preserve critical evidence, cut through insurance company delays, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.