You might expect to speak with insurance adjusters for the trucking firm or the truck driver shortly after a semi-truck collision. Adjusters work solely for the insurance company, and their goal is to minimize financial losses for the business. They will usually strive to settle a claim for compensation if they cannot reasonably reject it. An Ontario, CA personal injury lawyer can help.
Truck Accident Victims Face Both Opportunities and Dangers in Settlement Negotiations
The news that the trucking company’s insurer is interested in a settlement may be a relief. Compared to going to trial to assert your claim, settling allows you to collect money more quickly and with less difficulty.
There is some risk involved in accepting a settlement. You must waive your right to pursue further damages when accepting an award of compensation. Verify if the settlement sum is adequate to compensate for your losses.
Accidents Involving Semitrucks and Financial Compensation
Keep the following in mind when an adjuster approaches you with a settlement offer after a commercial vehicle accident:
- There is every reason for the trucking company to settle if fault is apparent.
- The trucking business’s insurance company may be willing to negotiate a settlement if the facts indicate that the truck driver caused the accident. Damage awards in semi-truck accident claims are high, and a trucking firm would like to avoid the additional legal fees incurred by going to trial.
Numerous Semi-truck Crashes have left a Trail of Physical Evidence.
Your case’s merits will determine how quickly it settles and how much money you earn. Your negotiating position will improve as you and your attorney gather more evidence in your favor. This requires investigating not only the truck accident itself but also the following:
- The history of the truck driver’s driving
- Video captured by a dashcam installed in the truck’s cabin
- Was the truck driver’s logbook and medical certificate up to par with what was required by the law?
- Whether or not the truck was overloaded
- If there was a problem with the truck’s mechanics
- Investigating every possible source of evidence can be time-consuming, but it will pay off in the long run during settlement talks.
Assessing Your Injuries Is Crucial to Resolving Your Case
Injuries sustained in accidents involving semi-trucks can be severe and may take weeks or months to heal. Your attorney and you will need to be able to appropriately estimate your current and future medical needs and the long-term repercussions of your injuries if you want to resolve your case promptly and get compensated for them.
You should not feel pressured to decide because the trucking company’s insurer wants to settle the case quickly. A fair settlement can be reached once you and your attorney have had more time to consider the extent of your injuries.
