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How Much Are Truck Accident Settlements?

Semi truck accident settlements

Every accident is unique. A look at past truck accident claims can give you some idea of what to expect as you manage your truck accident claim, but it cannot guarantee the compensation you will receive. Talk to a lawyer for a truck wreck to get a better idea of how much compensation you deserve for your specific truck accident and for a better idea of how to seek it.

Factor #1: The Party (Or Parties) That Caused Your Accident

The party that caused your truck accident can play a huge role in determining how much compensation you will ultimately receive for the accident. Truck drivers usually carry high-value insurance policies that will provide a high degree of compensation to individuals injured in an accident caused by that driver. Those policies do, however, have limits. But many larger trucking companies or businesses have excess insurance policies. Talk with a leading 18-wheeler accident law firm to find out a company’s insurance policies.

By working with an attorney, many truck accident victims can identify other parties who may have contributed to the accident and who, therefore, share liability for their injuries. You may be able to claim compensation for your injuries from those parties. For example, the trucking company may share liability for the actions of its driver or for the accident, especially if the trucking company had unrealistic expectations or required its drivers to ignore federal laws that mandate the number of hours a truck driver can spend on the road.

Factor #2: The Extent of Your Injuries

Big trucks have a lot of bulk and take up a great deal of space on the road. They take longer to stop and make more effort to move. As a result, semi-trucks can cause significantly more damage in an accident than in a smaller passenger vehicle. For victims of accidents involving big trucks, that may mean a greater likelihood of severe injury, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or even amputation. The injuries from an accident with a truck may lead to lifelong impact–and leave you with substantial medical bills.

Most often, your medical bills will form the foundation of your personal injury claim. Even the amount you receive in compensation for pain and suffering may be based on a percentage of your medical expenses and your doctor’s opinions about your injuries.

Many truck accident victims have high medical bills. You may have big emergency room bills and ongoing bills from hospitalization, treatment for your injuries, and therapy. Every surgery or procedure will add to the medical costs you face.

Keep track of all medical bills related to your treatments. You may want to start a specific file that will allow you to easily track your medical expenses and how they mount as you manage your recovery. If you have health insurance, the health insurance will keep track of what you pay, and you should keep track of your deductibles.

Factor #3: How Much Work You Missed

In addition to the financial burden associated with your medical bills, you may miss out on much-needed income during your recovery. Many truck accident victims suffer injuries that prevent them from going back to work immediately after the accident. If you suffer a traumatic brain injury, for example, you may not have the ability to interact with customers or focus on your usual daily work tasks. If you suffer back injuries, it could prevent you from standing up, taking care of lifting tasks or even sitting at your desk for long periods of time.

In many cases, your employer will work with you in an effort to get you back in the office as soon as possible. Some employers, however, may encourage you to stay home due to liability issues or might lack the ability to make the modifications you need to return to the office. As a result, the amount of time you miss at work may vary depending on your injuries, your profession, and your employer.

Fortunately, you can include your lost income as part of your truck accident claim.

Factor #4: Any Other Financial Losses You Faced

The financial losses you face after a truck accident may vary substantially. You may have suffered severe damage to your vehicle or missed out on a job opportunity because of your accident. Discuss any other financial losses related to your accident with your attorney to get a better idea of what compensation you should expect.

Factor #5: How Your Injuries Impact Your Life

18 wheeler settlements

Most personal injury claims include a specific segment for pain and suffering. In that segment, your 18-wheeler accident attorney will detail how your injuries have impacted your life: how many activities you have missed, what time you have missed with loved ones, and whether you have missed out on your enjoyment of life as a result of your injuries. You may also discuss your physical pain related to the accident. If your injuries impact your life substantially, you may increase the compensation you can receive for pain and suffering.

Factor #6: Do You Have an Attorney?

Having an attorney on your side can make a big difference in your truck accident claim. Sometimes, truck accident victims try to handle their claims on their own. They may feel that they can take care of things without bringing in an attorney, or they might worry that an attorney will cost more money than they can afford. However, victims will find that working with an attorney ultimately helps increase the compensation they can receive, even after paying their legal fees. An attorney can help put together a highly effective case for your claim, increasing the odds that the insurance company will provide the settlement you deserve. It is a fact that without a reputable lawyer, you are at a big disadvantage, and what you may be offered will reflect that reality.

Factor #7: How Much Will You Negotiate?

Reaching an agreement in a truck accident claim may require a great deal of negotiation. In fact, you may go through several rounds of negotiation before you arrive at an acceptable settlement agreement. If you do not want to negotiate, an option some victims choose because they need a fast settlement, it will decrease the compensation you ultimately receive.

Did you suffer injuries in a truck accident? Do you need to know more about the compensation you should expect for your injuries?

Contact the Texas truck accident law firm today to learn more about your right to compensation after a truck accident.

Call (281) 893-0760

 

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Post under: Helpful Information

About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.