Call Us 919-240-4054While it may be tempting to accept a semi-truck accident settlement quickly it’s generally not in your best interests to do so, especially without the guidance of an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer.
Here are a few of the many reasons why you shouldn’t accept the first settlement offer you receive after a truck accident, or any settlement offer, without the input of a personal injury lawyer. If you need legal help, speak with a Durham truck accident lawyer with Johnson & Groninger PLLC.
To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or call us at (919) 240-4054 (Durham) or (704) 200-2009 (Charlotte).
You may not know the full extent of your injuries
After a truck accident, you may not realize the full extent of your injuries right away. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or soft tissue injuries, may not become apparent until days or even weeks after the accident, and it can take even longer for doctors to realize the full extent of your injuries.
If you accept a settlement offer before you know the breadth of your injuries, you may end up receiving less compensation than you need to cover your medical expenses and other losses.
The settlement offer may not be fair
Trucking companies and their insurance companies are in the business of making money, so they may offer you a low semi-truck accident settlement amount in an attempt to protect their profit margins.
The initial settlement offer you receive may not be fair and may not fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. For example, the offer might not take into account your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. By accepting the first settlement offer, you may be leaving significant sums of money on the table and missing out on the compensation you’re entitled to receive.
You may be pressured to accept a settlement quickly
There’s a good chance that you’re under a great deal of stress and pressure as a result of the wreck. You might be dealing with physical pain, medical bills, and lost income, all of which can make you eager to settle your case quickly so you can move on with your life.
However, the trucking company or their insurance company may use this pressure to their advantage and offer you a low settlement amount to try to get you to settle quickly. It’s important to take your time and work with an experienced attorney who can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
You may not fully understand your legal rights and options
Truck accident cases can be complex, and you may not fully understand your legal rights and options. By accepting the first settlement offer you receive, you may be giving up your right to pursue additional compensation for your injuries and losses.
For example, there could be other parties that played a role in causing the accident. The company that loaded the truck might have been negligent, or the failure of a defective part may have contributed to the collision.
An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, identify all potentially liable parties, and work to ensure that you receive the full compensation to which you’re entitled.
You may not have the resources to negotiate a fair settlement
Negotiating a fair semi-truck accident settlement with a trucking company or their insurance company can be a complex and time-consuming process. If you don’t have the resources to negotiate a fair settlement on your own, you may end up accepting a low settlement amount that doesn’t fully compensate you.
A skilled truck crash attorney with Johnson & Groninger PLLC can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf and can also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Hurt in a truck crash? Speak with our skilled attorneys today
By taking your time, working with an experienced attorney, and fully understanding your legal rights and options, you can ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and other accident-related financial losses.
Remember that trucking companies and their insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement amount. Don’t let them take advantage of you. Protect yourself by working with an attorney who can fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys with Johnson & Groninger PLLC know all of the tricks insurance companies try to play in an effort to deny accident victims their just compensation. We defeat insurers on a regular basis, so you can rest assured we won’t be intimidated – no matter how large that insurance company may be.
If you would like to schedule a free evaluation of your case, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call our Durham office at (919) 240-4054 or our Charlotte office at (704) 200-2009.