Navigating a commercial truck accident case requires a deep understanding of the complex laws and regulations that govern these vehicles. Truck accidents are often more severe and complicated than accidents involving passenger vehicles. Plus, truck drivers and the companies they work for are rarely willing to take full responsibility for the damage they have caused. Keep reading to learn what this means for your commercial truck accident settlement, and how to win.
Truck Accident Claims
First, you may face an uphill battle when trying to get a fair settlement offer. Insurance companies and trucking companies are for-profit businesses, so they prioritize their bottom line. Negotiating with the truck driver or commercial trucking company’s insurance provider is not an easy task. A lawyer experienced with commercial truck accidents can help negotiate a fair settlement.
Second, the energy you spend fighting for what you deserve is better spent recovering from your injuries. Commercial truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries like dismemberment, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. You must also consider your mental health and the emotional cost of your truck accident.
These two factors tend to cause accident victims to accept a less-than-fair settlement offer, which can cause more harm than good. It’s easy to understand why getting a quick settlement seems advantageous:
- Some money is better than no money
- A settlement is faster than going to court
- Accepting a first settlement offer is less stressful for injured victims
Agreeing to a settlement offer isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, settlements are good options for many accident victims. However, the first or second offer is unlikely to be sufficient to cover the damage the accident caused.
Maximizing Your Accident Settlement
There are no guarantees in accident cases, and that’s true whether you enter settlement negotiations or file a lawsuit. A commercial truck accident attorney is usually your best chance at maximizing your settlement offer. These lawyers are skilled negotiators with specific expertise in working with insurance companies to secure fair offers for their clients.
Your lawyer will know how much your claim is worth so you can ensure any lowball offers get rejected. They will also be able to keep track of deadlines, such as the statute of limitations for commercial truck accident claims.
When deciding on an appropriate settlement amount, you and your lawyer should discuss the following details:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your existing medical bills
- Expected future medical expenses
- Ongoing treatment requirements
- Damage to your vehicle or other property
- Lost income and loss of earning potential
- Emotional distress and trauma
Understanding the role these factors play in your accident case will help you and your attorney prepare for settlement negotiations.
We Put You and Your Recovery First
When you’re facing a long and rocky road to recovery, you need support from an attorney who genuinely cares about you. The commercial truck accident lawyers at Flanagan Law are more than just legal experts, we are trusted counsel, compassionate listeners, and supportive advocates for your recovery. Contact us today to discuss your case.
