How long do civil claims for school bus accidents typically take to be resolved?
The length of time it takes to resolve a civil claim for a school bus accident in Washington varies based on many factors. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to bring a case to a conclusion. The time it takes to resolve a claim depends on the complexity of the case, the length of the discovery period, and the number of parties involved. If a claim involves multiple damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and/or pain and suffering, then there may be more parties and more complicated legal issues to address. If it is difficult to determine fault and/or damages, then the process will likely take more time. Adding more parties, whether it be additional defendants or claimants, can also extend the amount of time it takes for a case to be resolved. Sometimes a settlement can be reached outside of court and the claim can be resolved quickly. However, if a settlement can’t be reached and the case must go to trial, this could take a longer amount of time. In Washington State, civil claims for damages arising from a school bus accident must be brought within three years of the date of the accident. If a lawsuit is not brought within three years, the claim can be permanently barred. The best way to ensure that your claim is resolved in a timely manner is to hire an experienced lawyer who can help you understand the process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the duration of your case.
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