How much you should settle for after a truck accident depends on your specific case. This is because no two truck accidents are alike—each case possesses its own unique details that determine one’s settlement.
There is no way to easily know how much compensation someone should settle for right after a truck accident. If you file a claim against the trucking company, for example, their insurance company may offer you a settlement lower than you deserve.
A truck accident lawyer can help ensure you are not being lowballed. They can set a value on your damages and negotiate with the insurance company, so you are compensated fairly.
A lawyer can help you secure a reasonable financial award. If an insurance company refuses to agree to a just settlement, a lawyer will take the case to court to fight for the award you deserve.
Damages You May Be Entitled to After Your Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be far more catastrophic than an accident between two cars. It is not uncommon for there to be severe bodily injuries and property damage. You may be eligible to receive economic and non-economic damages, depending on the nature of your accident.
Medical expenses
You may have mounting medical bills that include:
- Transportation to the hospital
- Surgical procedures
- Prescription medication
- Doctor visits
- Ongoing care costs
It is imperative to keep records of everything so you will have all your expenses documented and potentially be compensated for all of it.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are the accident’s effects on your physical and emotional state. You may pursue a financial award for pain and suffering if you experienced stress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, or disfigurement after the truck accident. Some states place a limit on how much you are able to recover in non-economic damages like these. For example, Tennessee places a cap of $750,000 for most injuries, according to Tennessee Code § 29-39-102.
Property Damage
If your car needs to be replaced, or if there is significant damage, and it needs repairs, you may qualify for compensation for property damage.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If you had to miss work due to your accident, you might be compensated for the pay you lost out on. If you are unable to work the same occupation you did prior to the accident, you may be eligible to receive a financial award due to making less income.
This is a non-exhaustive list of damages that one can endure after a truck accident, and this is only one aspect of your case that affects your settlement amount.
Liable Parties in Your Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be more complex than a regular auto accident in that there may be multiple liable parties, which affects your settlement. It is vital for there to be an investigation of the accident to determine how many responsible parties there are. You may initially assume the truck driver is the at-fault party, but there might be more people involved than you might think.
If the driver acted negligently, the trucking company could also be held accountable because they hired the driver. If a defective part of the truck caused the accident, the truck manufacturer or inspector could be held liable. If you also contributed to the accident, this can also affect your settlement. A lawyer can help you understand your state’s liability and negligence laws.
Take Legal Action as Soon as Possible
Make sure you know how long you have to file a lawsuit in your state if you wish to do so. You generally have a few years to take action against the negligent party or parties, and a lawyer can help ensure you do not miss the deadline.
Truck accidents can upend your life, so you do not want to miss out on your chance to receive the financial award you are entitled to. Sometimes, no amount of money can restore the life you had before an accident, but it can ease the financial burden you are facing.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC for Legal Guidance Today
When you are wondering how much you should settle for after a truck accident, know that your truck accident settlement is affected by a number of elements. Your injuries, the liable parties and insurance companies involved, and the special and general damages all play crucial roles in your settlement negotiation. A truck accident lawyer wants the best possible outcome for you and can work tirelessly to achieve that.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for your free consultation with a member of our team at (800) 235-0444 today.
