How to Get the Best Settlement After a Truck Accident
The article explores how you can get the best settlement options if you're involved in a truck accident. Scroll down to read more!
2022 was a bad year for truck accidents, with 5,936 deaths, an increase of 2% on the previous year. 70.4% of people killed were the occupants of other vehicles, which shows just how dangerous these huge vehicles are. Hardly surprising given a semi-truck attached to a trailer can weigh as much as 35,000 pounds.
If you’re involved in a truck accident, chances are high that you’re dealing with serious injuries. A settlement can help cover your medical expenses and more.
One of the experienced truck accident lawyers in Chicago, Muhammad Ramadan, shares how to get the best possible settlement.
Collect Evidence from the Truck Accident Scene
It is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors. Get contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened. The police report will also contain important details. All this evidence will help support your claim that the truck driver was at fault.
After The Truck Accident, Get Medical Help Right Away
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Many injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not be obvious immediately. Getting quick medical care shows the insurance company you are acting responsibly. Keep records of all doctor visits, tests done, and medical expenses. The bills and doctor's reports will help verify your injuries later.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney
Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer and avoid dealing directly with insurers. Truck accident law can be complex, and insurers try to pay as little as possible. A qualified attorney has the expertise to build a strong claim by proving the trucker's negligence caused the accident and demonstrating the full extent of your damages. An attorney can estimate the potential value of your settlement so you don't accept an unjustly low offer.
Your Truck Accident Lawyer Will Investigate Liability
Your attorney will thoroughly investigate which parties contributed to the accident through truck defects, overloaded cargo, driver fatigue, employer negligence, etc. This can expand the number of liable parties and sources of recovery. For instance, the trucking company may share liability if one of their drivers caused the crash.
Calculate The Damages of Your Truck Accident Case
Make sure you seek total compensation for all your accident-related losses. These damages can include property damage, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, disability or disfigurement, loss of future earnings capacity, damage to personal relationships, and emotional distress. Your truck accident attorney can use experts like accident reconstructionists and vocational analysts to prove the full scope of your losses.
Your Truck Accident Attorney Will Negotiate the Best Settlement
An experienced truck accident lawyer will handle settlement negotiations with insurers and aggressively advocate for your claim. They know how to navigate trucking insurance policies and legal arguments the insurance companies may use. Your attorney can push for the full settlement that your damages and case evidence merit. An average settlement is in the region of $100k, but it could be much more if you sustain more serious injuries.
Be Ready to Go to Take Your Truck Accident Case To Trial
If the insurers don't offer a fair settlement, your truck accident attorney can take the case to trial. This happens in less than 5% of cases, but if it does get that far, they will present all the evidence before a judge and jury who can decide appropriate damages. Insurers often agree to better settlements to avoid costly trials they could lose. Your attorney's willingness to go to trial gives them important negotiation leverage.
Taking these steps after your truck accident can make the most substantial possible injury claim and pursue maximum compensation for your harm. This settlement money can help you move forward after a devastating crash.
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