In 2019, over 4,000 people died in truck accidents, and most of those deaths were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. Because trucks are so much heavier than cars, they cause severe injuries or death among those involved in the accident.
Many of these accidents are also caused by distracted driving, faulty trucks and truck parts, and reckless driving. If you or a loved one has experienced injuries as a result of an accident, read on to learn how to get a fair truck accident settlement.
Find an Experienced Attorney
After you get any necessary medical treatment, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible, especially if you suspect that the truck driver was distracted, under the influence, or otherwise responsible for the accident.
Don’t just settle for any attorney though. Find a personal injury attorney who has plenty of experience in pursuing truck accident settlements. They know the ins and outs of trucking laws at the federal and state levels, how to estimate how much your case is worth, and will be able to conduct investigations in order to determine fault.
Check out www.collinsattorneys.com for more on what truck accident lawyers do.
Be Patient
In a perfect world, the truck driver’s insurance company would offer you a fair settlement amount right away, so you can pay your medical bills and other bills that you may be unable to pay if you can’t work. Unfortunately, this is not typically the case.
If you are patient and recognize that it may take months (or even longer) to get a fair settlement, it will be easier for you to deal with any delays throughout the process.
Do Not Accept the First Offer
The insurance company is looking out for their bottom line, so they want you to accept the lowest amount possible, and accept it quickly. Chances are, they will make an initial settlement offer shortly after an accident. This is often much lower than what your case is actually worth based on your injuries, necessary medical care, future rehabilitation, and lost wages.
Do not accept an offer without first speaking with an attorney. Once you hire an attorney, they should handle all communication with the insurance company.
Listen to Your Attorney
When you hire an attorney, listen to them and follow their advice. Remember that your attorney wants you to win. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so they don’t get paid unless you do.
This means that they want to win and the advice they give you is meant to help bolster your case. If they tell you not to talk to the insurance company, listen to them. If they tell you to stop posting on social media, do that.
Get the Truck Accident Settlement That You Deserve
Injuries sustained in a truck accident could have a significant impact on your quality of life, resulting in long-term injuries, inability to work, and special equipment and modifications due to your injuries. Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve. Hire an experienced attorney to get a truck accident settlement that will adequately cover your expenses.
If you found this article useful, be sure to check out some of our other legal articles before you go.
