The time needed to conclude a truck accident case may vary depending on several factors. For example, if the injuries are severe and require long-term treatment, it may take longer to calculate all damages. It’s important to understand that it is never in your best interests to accept the initial offer from an insurance company, as this often only covers a fraction of your actual losses.
Statute of Limitations
Some states have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing a claim. If you wait too long to file your claim, it may be easier to prove negligence. Additionally, witnesses might need to remember important details; some evidence can disappear or be lost over time. Truck accidents can have multiple liable parties, making it even more complicated to determine who was at fault. Working with an experienced truck accident attorney from www.lepplerinjurylaw.com as soon as possible is also important.
Additionally, it’s important not to sign anything from an insurance company until you consult your lawyer. It includes settlement offers and medical release forms, which could hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation. Your attorney’s review of your medical records will determine the cost of your current and forthcoming treatments. Using this information, they will determine the full value of your injuries and losses. It includes medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and emotional distress.
Medical Treatment
Truck accident victims need to complete all medical treatment before settling a case. Depending on the extent of the injuries, it could take months or even a year. Some accident victims may never reach maximum medical improvement, meaning they will have permanent impairments. Getting medical attention as soon as possible following a truck accident also helps to provide verifiable records detailing the different sorts of injuries and their severity. Insurance companies might try to claim your injuries are not severe or extensive as you claim, and the only way you can prove these facts is through documents from a licensed medical professional. Once your doctor releases you from care, your attorney will use the evidence collected to prepare a settlement demand. This step can be lengthy depending on how complex the case is and how much the insurers fight. Ultimately, the insurance company will respond with an offer that may be unreasonable and require further negotiation.
Insurance Company
It may take time to determine who is responsible for a truck accident. Your lawyer may need to investigate and work with expert witnesses to build your case. The size of your compensation will also depend on how serious your injuries were. Your attorneys will deal directly with the trucking and insurance companies to negotiate the greatest settlement for your injuries. Insurance companies may stall the process to force victims into accepting a low offer. They know that the cost of future medical treatment and permanent or disfiguring injuries will quickly add up. They may even use your previous injuries as an excuse to reduce your settlement. You should consult your lawyer before signing any documents made available by the insurance provider. They can advise you whether or not the terms are fair. They can also re-negotiate a more reasonable offer.
Trial
When you think of a trial, you might imagine a courtroom full of lawyers, a judge, and a jury. But the truth is that most truck accident cases never end up in court. Once your lawyer has gathered sufficient evidence to prove the at-fault party’s liability, they will send a demand letter to their insurance company. It will describe your injuries, expenses, and losses and propose a financial settlement amount. A counteroffer from the insurance provider will be made in response, and the bargaining process may go on for months. Insurance companies can drag out a personal injury case for several reasons:
- They want to avoid a costly trial.
- They can try to make you look guilty for the collision or challenge the severity of your injuries.
- If the case drags on, you can lose patience and accept a lower settlement offer.
It is important to have your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company.
Related Post:
- Understanding the Importance of Hiring a Specialized Truck Accident Attorney
- 5 Questions to Ask a Truck Accident Lawyer Before Hiring Them
- Documents for Truck Accidents to Have When Meeting Your Lawyer
- Reasons To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
- When Accidents Happen: Protecting Yourself and Your Interests
