There is no average settlement amount for semi-truck accident lawsuits. However, several factors can affect the value of your settlement you can use to get an idea of your settlement.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, our Indiana truck accident lawyers explain the factors that could determine your semi truck settlement. If you’ve been in an accident with a semi-truck, read on to learn the factors that could affect the settlement you receive and how our legal team can help.
What Factors Affect the Settlement Amount for a Semi Truck Accident?
When you’ve been hit by a big rig truck, several things can affect the settlement you receive for the damages you’ve suffered. Here are some of the factors that go into determining your settlement:
Number of Liable Parties
Remember that you can hold multiple parties liable for the accident. And if there are multiple at-fault parties, your settlement could increase greatly. Our Indiana truck accident attorneys team can help you file an individual claim against each party.
You could be eligible to recover different amounts and damages from each party. And depending on the level of negligence, you could also be eligible for special damages.
When You Filed Your Claim
The time you filed your personal injury claim can also affect your settlement after a semi-truck accident. According to Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, you must file your claim within two years from the accident date to be eligible for compensation.
Filing your claim early will positively impact your settlement, and it could result in a higher settlement because you and your lawyer will have sufficient time to build a strong case. However, filing late can cause you to lose your right to any compensation.
Severity of Injuries
The severity of your injuries is the final factor that can impact the settlement amount you receive. More severe injuries like spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries often require more medical care, which will increase your settlement.
Your settlement should cover all the damages you’ve suffered due to the semi-truck accident and your resulting injuries. It’s also important to avoid delaying seeking medical attention for your injuries so they don’t worsen over time. Delaying medical care can disqualify you from compensation in some situations if it seems like you’re intentionally trying to increase your settlement amount.
How Can an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer Help You Increase Your Settlement?
One of our Indiana truck accident lawyers can take some actions to help you increase your settlement amount. Here are some of the tasks our team can help you with:
Gathering Strong Evidence
Building a strong case is essential to maximize your settlement. As experienced Indiana truck accident lawyers, we recognize the importance of gathering compelling evidence to support your claim. We start by thoroughly investigating the accident scene, collecting evidence such as police reports, photographs, and available surveillance footage.
We also interview witnesses to obtain their statements and perspectives on the events leading to the accident. Additionally, we work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the evidence and provide professional opinions on the cause of the accident.
We delve into the trucking company’s records, driver logs, maintenance history, and other relevant documentation that might demonstrate negligence or non-compliance with safety regulations. By consolidating this evidence, we build a robust case that strengthens your position, establishes liability, and increases the likelihood of a higher settlement offer.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies can be daunting, as their primary goal is often to minimize settlement amounts. However, as your dedicated Indiana truck accident lawyers, we will firmly handle all negotiations on your behalf. We draw upon our extensive knowledge of personal injury laws and our 100 years of experience dealing with insurance companies to develop a strong negotiation strategy.
We present a compelling case, supported by the evidence we have gathered, to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. We argue for a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. By leveraging our strong negotiation skills and advocating for your best interests, we aim to secure a settlement offer that reflects the true value of your claim.
Fearless Trial Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are prepared to proceed to trial representation. We understand that litigation can be intimidating, but you can trust us to stand by your side and vigorously advocate for your rights in the courtroom. Our experienced trial attorneys will prepare your case, presenting the evidence and expert testimonies clearly and compellingly.
We will craft persuasive arguments to establish liability and demonstrate the full extent of your damages to the judge and jury. Our courtroom presence and skilled advocacy will leave no doubt about the strength of your claim, increasing the likelihood of a favorable verdict. Throughout the trial process, we will provide you with the support and guidance you need, ensuring your voice is heard and you have the best opportunity to secure a higher settlement offer.
Settlements Vaughan & Vaughan Has Won for Semi Truck Accidents
While there isn’t an average semi-truck accident amount we can tell you, we can inform you of what previous settlements we’ve recovered for similar cases. These amounts don’t reflect the amount you’ll get, but we like to show you what we could recover. Here are some of the settlements we’ve recovered for our clients:
- For a car and semi truck accident, we won a $4.4 million settlement.
- A client was injured in a crash with a semi-truck, and we recovered a $1.5 million settlement for them.
- In a case where our client lost someone they love in a car and semi truck accident, we were able to recover a $1 million settlement.
How Long does It Take to Receive Your Semi Truck Settlement?
Determining how long you have to wait to receive your settlement is another tricky question because there is no set time limit for all cases. Again, however, a few factors determine how long you will have to wait to receive your settlement. The first factor is how complicated your case is.
The more complicated your case is, the more time and effort our team will have to put into your case, which could take more time. Another factor is how long it takes for you to receive all the medical treatment you need. To make sure you recover all the damages you qualify for, we need to wait until you are done with treatment to start pursuing a settlement.
Negotiations with the insurance company can also slow down the process of getting your settlement. If your lawyer and the insurance adjuster can’t agree, this may stall the time until you receive your settlement.
Contact Our Team to Learn More About Semi Truck Accident Settlements
At Vaughan & Vaughan, our Indiana truck accident lawyers team can help you understand your potential settlement amount and answer any questions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you and fight for the settlement you deserve.
