Posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 2:11 am
You may want or need a fast settlement for your California truck accident claim, but is a fast settlement in your best interest? How does a fast settlement for a truck accident claim work? Our Sacramento truck accident lawyers explain why the slower settlement option is better after being injured in a large truck accident.
What is a Fast Settlement in a Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases are typically high-value injury claims. The injuries in truck accident cases tend to be severe because of the size and weight of the truck. A commercial truck can easily crush a passenger vehicle.
Victims in truck accident cases often incur high medical bills and significant loss of income. Because these cases involve large amounts, a representative for the trucking company or its insurance provider may reach out to you to offer a fast settlement. The company knows that you may experience financial hardship because of the truck accident. Sadly, some companies take advantage of a victim’s need for financial support.
A fast settlement could come within days or weeks following a truck accident. Typically, the settlement offer does not reflect the actual value of your claim. In most cases, the settlement offer is far below the actual amount you deserve for your injuries and damages.
However, if you accept a fast settlement, you are bound by that settlement. The settlement agreement you sign releases all parties from any further liability for your truck accident claim. You cannot receive any more money for your injuries or damages, even if you discover new injuries, need surgery, or your damages are much higher than you assumed when you accepted a fast settlement.
The insurance company is not interested in getting money for you because you need it. The company offers to settle the claim quickly to avoid paying more money later.
Taking the Slower Settlement Path for a Truck Accident Claim
The slower settlement path can give you the best chance of recovering a fair amount for the injuries and damages caused by a large truck accident.
Ideally, contacting a Sacramento truck accident attorney as soon as possible is one of the best ways to protect your legal rights. Truck accident claims are complicated. There are many parties involved, and those parties typically have large teams that work to protect the parties’ best interests. You need an attorney who understands truck accident claims and who fights to protect your legal rights.
Your attorney begins by launching an immediate accident investigation. It is crucial to uncover and preserve evidence as soon as possible. Commercial trucks have black boxes than can record relevant crash data. Your attorney works to preserve that data before it can be erased. Your attorney works quickly to obtain witness statements and other information that can be lost or destroyed.
While your attorney investigates the crash, you focus on your medical treatment. It is essential to document your physical injuries caused by the truck crash carefully. You do not want to settle a truck accident claim until you complete medical treatment. Until your doctor is convinced you have reached maximum medical improvement, it is impossible to know the full extent of your injuries. Permanent impairments and disabilities increase the value of a truck accident claim.
If a trucking company or insurance provider denies liability for the accident, it takes longer to settle your truck accident claim. You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit and go to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve after being injured in a truck accident. Having an experienced attorney at your side throughout the case is a valuable asset when fighting against large corporations who are intent on protecting their profits.
Contact a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer for More Information
Do not allow the insurance company to convince you that a fast settlement is in your best interest. Always consult with an experienced lawyer before accepting a settlement for a truck accident claim.
Schedule a free consultation with a Sacramento truck accident attorney by calling The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000.
