If you’ve been in a truck accident, you may receive a settlement offer from the insurance company of the trucking company or the driver who caused the accident. It can be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer so you can move on with your life. But you need to understand the risks and potential consequences of doing so.
The experts with The Eberst Law Firm will be here for you. Our team of attorneys will work to make sure you get every penny you have coming. We won’t let an insurance company keep you from obtaining rightful compensation. If you would like to schedule a free review of your case, you can contact us online or give us a call at 1-888-CALL-JON.
Insurance Companies Aren’t Your Friend
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not helping accident victims. They aim to minimize the amount of money they pay out in claims. They’ll do everything they can to pay you as little as possible, including denying your claim or offering you a lowball settlement. They may even try to blame you for the accident.
Insurers use a variety of tactics to try and get accident victims to accept unfair settlement offers. One common tactic is to offer a quick settlement before the full extent of the victim’s injuries and damages are known. In many cases, accident victims may be eager to accept a quick settlement offer to get the money they need to pay for medical expenses and other bills.
However, accepting a quick settlement offer can be a mistake, as it may not fully compensate the victim for their injuries and other damages.
Another trick that insurers may use is to downplay the severity of the victim’s injuries or try to shift the blame for the accident onto the victim. This can be particularly damaging in cases where the victim is partially at fault for the accident, as it may reduce the amount of compensation they’re entitled to receive.
Also, insurance companies will often use pressure tactics to try and get accident victims to accept a settlement offer. They might, for instance, threaten to withdraw the offer. The insurer might also imply that the victim won’t receive any compensation if they don’t accept the offer. These tactics can be particularly effective on accident victims who are already overwhelmed and stressed by the accident’s aftermath.
Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurers also know that many accident victims are in a vulnerable position and need money quickly to cover expenses. They may offer you a quick settlement to take advantage of your situation.
But when you accept a settlement offer, you’re giving up your right to pursue additional compensation in the future. You might accept a settlement offer and later realize your injuries are more severe than you initially thought. There’s also a chance you’ll need additional medical treatment. If either one of those scenarios proves to be accurate, it will be too late to seek additional compensation.
You Only Get One Chance to Settle
You only have one chance to settle your claim with the insurance company. Again, if you accept what the insurer offers, that will be the end of your case. There won’t be any going back. You’ll be stuck with that amount, even if your injuries are more severe than you initially realized. That means you’ll also be responsible for whatever medical bills your settlement doesn’t cover.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive?
The amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive will depend on the specifics of your case. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A seasoned truck accident lawyer can help you determine how much compensation you should be entitled to receive.
Factors that Affect My Settlement Offer
Several factors can affect your settlement offer, including the following:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The number of your medical expenses.
- The number of your lost wages.
- The different parties responsible for the accident.
- Whether or not there were any witnesses to the accident.
- The insurance coverage of the trucking company or driver.
When to Accept an Offer
If you receive a fair settlement offer from the insurance company, you may want to consider accepting it. A fair offer will give you the compensation you need to move on with your life.
But how will you know whether or not that offer is fair? Your best option will be to hire a truck accident attorney. At The Eberst Law Firm, our lawyers will know exactly how much compensation you deserve. We’ll also gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and, if necessary, take your case to court.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney ASAP
If you‘ve been in a truck accident, it’s essential you contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can ensure that you receive the compensation to which you’re entitled.
They can also help you avoid common mistakes, such as accepting a quick settlement offer or signing a release that waives your right to pursue additional compensation.
As stated earlier, there’s a chance that the insurance company will make you a fair offer. That will be more likely if the insurer knows you have an experienced lawyer by your side. But if they try to lowball you or deny your claim, you’ll definitely need skilled legal representation.
Again, you only get one chance to settle your claim. You need to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Contacting a truck accident attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other accident-related expenses.
Talk to a lawyer with The Eberst Law Firm. We’ll protect your rights and work in your best interests. We’ll also gladly answer any questions you may have. Use our online contact form or call 1-888-CALL-JON for a free consultation.
