Semi-truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. You may wonder how you will pay your mounting medical bills if you have been seriously injured in a semi-truck accident. Many semi-truck accident victims cannot return to work due to their injuries. When a negligent party caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver through an insurance claim. Understanding how to maximize your compensation through an insurance settlement is essential.
Contact an Attorney as Soon as PossibleAfter a semi-truck accident, the most important thing to do is obtain medical treatment for your injuries. Ensure you undergo a thorough examination, follow your doctor's instructions, take your medication, and keep all your medical records. Taking these steps will help you obtain the most compensation possible. After receiving medical treatment, we recommend reaching out to an attorney.
The likelihood of recovering more compensation through an insurance settlement will increase when a skilled attorney represents you. An attorney will be able to gather evidence and help you make a statement to the insurance company. An attorney will also help you negotiate with the insurance adjuster so you can focus on your recovery.
Collect EvidenceInvestigating the truck accident is crucial to obtaining the most compensation in an insurance settlement. Many trucking companies have commercial auto insurance. Adjusters for the insurance company may even come to the truck accident scene to begin collecting evidence and attempting to avoid paying the victim any compensation.
Victims are at a significant disadvantage when they do not have an attorney representing them. An attorney can ensure that evidence showing that the truck driver was at fault is preserved and can interview witnesses and work with accident reconstruction specialists to prove liability.
Do Not Accept the Initial Insurance Settlement Without Speaking to an AttorneyThe insurance company may decide to offer you a settlement immediately after the accident. Accepting the settlement agreement can be tempting, especially if you have experienced significant injuries and are concerned about your medical bills. However, it would be best if you did not take the offer until an attorney reviews it. Your claim may be worth significantly more compensation. Insurance companies are for-profit companies that limit the payment they pay victims.
The insurance company may try to minimize their financial liability, hoping that you will quickly accept an offer that is too low so they can close your case. Your attorney will be able to negotiate aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement amount that covers all of your expenses.
Understand Your Claim's ValueYou must understand how much your claim is worth before you accept an offer. If you have been seriously injured, an attorney can help you estimate all of the medical expenses you will incur in the future. Once you accept the insurance settlement, you will not be able to obtain compensation through another source, so the offer must cover all of your future expenses.
Serious injuries can cost millions over a person's lifetime, especially when the victim requires around-the-clock medical care. Take time to think about your expenses and work with an expert, when necessary, to determine the full value of your claim. Once you know the total value of your claim, your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement.
Know That Your Claim May Take Some TimeUnfortunately, the negotiation process can take time after a serious semi-truck accident. Semi-truck accident claims can be complex because they can involve multiple parties. For example, you may be able to pursue compensation from the truck driver, their employer, and potentially another third party. Every case is unique, so it is impossible to predict exactly how long the settlement process will take. However, the sooner you begin working with an attorney, the greater the likelihood of you settling the case as quickly as possible.
Start Your Claim as Soon as PossibleThe start of pursuing compensation and dealing with an insurance company may seem overwhelming, especially if you have been seriously injured. Nonetheless, the sooner you reach out to an attorney, the sooner you can start the ball moving on your claim. An attorney can help you ensure that you notify your insurance company and begin the process of seeking compensation through the at-fault driver's insurance company. Your attorney can hold them accountable if the insurance company is trying to stall processing your claim or avoiding paying you.