If you have been in a semi truck accident, you may have large medical expenses and other damages, from property loss to pain and suffering. The burden of being in an accident may be compounded by having to deal with a difficult insurance company to negotiate a settlement. How can you know that what the insurance company is offering is fair for your damages? The right settlement will consider the apportionment of liability, the extent of your injuries, the amount of time you’ve been off work, and any long-term consequences of the accident.
Discovering the Settlement Amount You Deserve
Every accident is unique, and there are various factors that can significantly impact the monetary compensation that a victim is entitled to receive. These may include:
The extent of injuries. Truck accident settlements typically address two major issues: the victim’s medical expenses and their pain and suffering. That means that the severity of injuries must be considered to determine the right settlement. Injuries that have long-term effects or result in permanent disability should be compensated at a higher level than minor injuries that take a shorter time to recover from.
Economic losses. If a victim misses work because of their injuries, a fair settlement will address that economic loss. Additionally, if the accident has caused a permanent change in a victim’s earning potential, that should also be taken into account. Lost earning capacity is a major damage that demands an appropriate settlement figure.
Who was responsible for the accident. If the victim had partial fault for the accident, their settlement may be reduced accordingly. Partial fault may be found where the victim:
- Had a mechanical problem with their vehicle, such as missing brake lights;
- Failed to yield or unsafely changed lanes too close to the truck; and/or
- Acted negligently by driving distracted or driving while under the influence.
If the semi truck driver was at fault for the accident there may be multiple liable parties for the victim’s damages, including the driver’s employer, the truck owner, and the maintenance provider for the truck.
Other parties may be liable for damages associated with the accident, depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, if the accident was caused by poorly maintained roads, a government entity may bear liability for the accident, or if the truck driver was intoxicated, the bar or restaurant that over-served them may also bear some responsibility.
Because there are so many potential factors to consider, working with a lawyer may be the most effective way for a victim to determine the appropriate and fair settlement amount for their truck accident.
Getting a Fair Settlement for Your Semi Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, you may need a lawyer on your side to help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. Speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Office of Hurst Limontes LLC and learn if we may be able to help. Contact us today at (317) 636-0808 or online for a free consultation.