What Is the Truck Accident Settlement Process?

What Is the Truck Accident Settlement Process?
January 23, 2023
Car Accidents

What Is the Truck Accident Settlement Process?

The truck accident settlement process and timeline can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the crash. If the accident is relatively straightforward with minimal injuries, it may be possible to settle the case in a few months. However, if serious injuries or multiple negligent parties are involved, it could take much longer to resolve. Having an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate this process and provide you with a better understanding of what to expect from your settlement timeline.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, your first step should be to call 911. When medical personnel arrives on the scene, seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel like you were injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. The accident's adrenaline can mask conditions such as whiplash and traumatic brain injury (TBI). These hidden injuries can cause stiffness and other problems that may not surface for 24 or more hours after the accident.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

The claims process begins when an accident occurs. Once the police have processed the scene, you will be free to leave if medical personnel does not transport you to a hospital. At this point, contacting your insurance company and providing them with all the necessary information is essential. This includes details such as who was involved, what happened, and other relevant information that may help in processing your claim. Do not accept any responsibility, as this can be used against you.

Step 3: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

What Is the Truck Accident Settlement Process?

A personal injury lawyer specializing in truck accidents can provide invaluable assistance when filing a claim and recovering damages. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and help ensure that your rights are protected. Additionally, they can provide legal representation, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries while your claim progresses.

Step 4: Determining Liability

A truck accident lawyer will investigate who was responsible for the truck accident. This can include:

  • studying crash reports
  • interviewing witnesses
  • and examining photos or videos of the scene.

The lawyer may investigate any background information about the truck driver and trucking company to determine if they followed laws and regulations. If a lawsuit is pursued, a lawyer will collect evidence to prove the driver or their employer was negligent in some way that was responsible for the truck accident.

Step 5: Seeking Damages

After a truck accident, you can seek out damages for:

  • physical pain and suffering
  • medical bills
  • lost wages
  • property damage
  • emotional pain and suffering
  • loss of life of a loved one
  • and more

You can also pursue punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for recklessness or intentional wrongdoing which lead to the accident. Suppose there was malicious intent or gross negligence on the part of the at-fault party. In that case, you may be able to receive exemplary damages, which are intended to deter similar behavior in the future.

Truck Accident Process FAQs

How Much Does a Truck Accident Attorney Cost?

Hinkle Law works on a contingency. A contingency fee basis means the law firm will not charge you anything unless you win a settlement or in court. A contingency fee ensures the victim pays nothing out of pocket and that the law firm works hard for your case. We also offer contingency for other areas of practice, such as:

How Long Does it Take to Settle After a Truck Accident?

The process of settling a semi-truck accident case can be a lengthy one. This is because there are many factors to consider when dealing with such an incident. For example, the discovery process can take longer than usual due to the complexity of the machines involved and the employment situation of those involved. Additionally, expert witnesses may need to be hired to provide testimony and evidence for the case, which can take time and resources to coordinate.

What's a Realistic Settlement Demand?

When making a settlement demand after an accident, it is essential to be realistic. The initial settlement demand should include all past and future expenses related to the accident, including recurring medical treatment. It is also important to remember that the initial demand should be higher than the actual damages, as this will give room for negotiation. Once the insurance company has made a counteroffer, we can begin negotiating until we reach a fair number that will help you get your life back on track. This process can take some time and patience. With our experienced team of truck accident attorneys by your side, you can be sure that we will do everything possible to get you the best outcome possible.

What Are the Common Injuries Associated With a Truck Accident?

Common injuries associated with truck accidents include:

  • whiplash
  • traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • spinal cord injuries
  • broken bones
  • crushing injuries
  • amputations
  • internal organ damage
  • and burns.

What is the Common Cause of Truck Accidents?

The most common underlying cause of truck accidents is:

  • Impairment due to alcohol or drugs
  • Fatigued driving
  • Lousy weather conditions
  • Driver negligence
  • Mechanical failure on the truck itself.
  • and more

Is My Truck Accident Case Different Since There Was a Death?

Yes, your truck accident case is different if a death resulted from the accident. When there is a fatal truck accident, criminal liability becomes part of the equation and can influence the outcome of a case. Additionally, depending on the specific jurisdiction's laws, certain damages may be available in addition to potential civil liability claims. Lastly, state and federal laws may hold individuals and/or businesses liable for operating vehicles erratically or negligently. A highly knowledgeable attorney specializing in truck accidents should be consulted to determine appropriate legal action for your particular case.

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