How Much Should You Settle for After a Truck Accident?

There is no magic number for the “right” truck accident settlement amount after an accident with a truck driver in Chicago. Rather, the amount you should accept will be completely unique and dependent on your semi truck accident case and the severe injuries you suffered.

The skilled truck accident attorneys from our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are ready to provide legal representation when truck accident victims wonder about the minimum truck settlement they should accept. Contact our truck accident lawyers today to get your questions answered.

Tips to Get the Best Truck Accident Settlement

In our experience, there are a few tips to follow:

• Work with a qualified and experienced truck accident attorney
• Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and other costs
• Don’t accept a settlement offer until you have completed all necessary medical treatment
• Be honest about the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your daily life.
• Be patient and don’t settle for less than your case is worth.

How a Lawyer Calculates Truck Accident Settlements

Calculating your truck accident case damages involves assessing economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Your personal injury lawyer will gather essential details, including medical documents and expert testimony to assess the value of your motor vehicle case.

What Economic Damages Can Be Recovered in Truck Accident Cases?

Recoverable economic damages may include:

• Medical expenses and medical bills (past and future)
• Emergency transportation
• Loss of income and lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Replacement costs (cost of paying someone to handle tasks you would ordinarily do but can no longer handle because of your injury)
• Lost or damaged property

What Non-Economic Damages Could Be Included in a Truck Accident Claim?

Recoverable non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering (physical)
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Physical impairment
• Physical disfigurement
• Diminished quality of life

What Is Wrongful Death in Illinois?

Wrongful death in Illinois refers to cases where an individual’s death is directly caused by the negligent, reckless, or deliberate actions of another. It allows the deceased’s relatives to pursue compensation for their loss, covering aspects like funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship.

How Does an Insurance Company Approach a Settlement?

Most personal injury cases are settled before reaching trial, as insurance companies prefer to avoid the unpredictability of court decisions. They aim to settle claims quickly and for the least amount possible, offering the minimum compensation while avoiding court.

Your experienced personal injury lawyer can negotiate with them for the best settlement. If it goes to trial, your attorney is ready to secure a fair settlement and the full compensation you deserve.

Profits First

The first priority of insurance companies is to settle claims fast in order to minimize costs; yet their primary goal remains maximizing profits from policy sales, not claim payouts. Insurance adjusters use advanced technology and data analytics to compute precise valuations of claims and potential court awards.

Beware of Low-Ball Offers

Insurance companies aim to settle for the least amount possible, often offering settlements that don’t reflect your claim’s true value. This tactic preys on victims unfamiliar with what they deserve, particularly after distressing events like truck accidents.

Accepting their initial offer might prevent you from claiming more compensation later, crucial if your damages exceed what they’ve paid. Navigating this with a knowledgeable attorney ensures you fight for rightful and fair compensation, countering the insurer’s strategy to minimize payouts and protect profits.

How Does an Attorney Prove a Personal Injury Claim?

To build a strong case, truck accident lawyers must prove four essential elements:

• Duty: Proof that the defendant owed you a duty to act in a way that would keep you free from injury
• Breach of Duty: Proof that the defendant breached this duty
• Causation: Proof that the defendant’s breach of duty caused your injury
• Damages: Proof that you sustained damages as a result

How Does a Lawyer Build a Commercial Truck Accident Case?

To build cases, attorneys:

• Investigate the cause of your accident;
• Investigate trucking companies for unsafe practices that may have contributed to the accident;
• Review truck drivers’ logs to ensure the truck operator did not exceed maximum driving times set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) regulations;
• Evaluate “black box” data;
• Work with accident reconstruction specialists;
• Assess photos and videos from the accident scene; and
• Analyze the police accident report.

Call a Truck Accident Lawyer to Determine How Much Your Truck Collision Should Be

Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today for a free case evaluation. Here is what you can expect:

• A review of your case
• A discussion of your best legal options
• An analysis of who may be at fault including the truck driver, trucking company, or semi truck manufacturer
• An explanation of the likely amount of compensation you could recover as it compares to the average truck accident settlement
• A honest assessment of the strength of your case
• Guidance on what to expect during the legal process
• The answer to any questions you have
• The peace of mind that comes from knowing you have an experienced advocate on your side