5 Steps to Fight for What You Deserve
This article may contain affiliate links.
Truck accidents typically cause serious injury, high medical expenses and financial hardships. Most victims rely on settlements to reimburse their losses, but the insurance companies don’t usually play fair.
Most trucking businesses and their insurance providers attempt to minimize payouts for their profits. Many victims accept low settlements because they are either frustrated or intimidated by the prospect of extended legal fights.
A truck accident attorney can fight for reasonable compensation and prevent the victim from accepting anything short of their rightful amount.
This article explains what to do if a truck accident settlement offer is too low.
1. Seek Legal Help
Seeking the aid of a lawyer might be the best option when the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement. For instance, truck accidents are common in Columbus due to congested highways and urban roads filled with commercial vehicles. In such cases, a Columbus truck accident lawyer can anticipate the tactics insurers use and help claimants build a strong case.
The lawyer can negotiate, get professional testimony and, where appropriate, take the matter to court and fight for the victim’s compensation. Insurance companies take claims seriously when a lawyer is involved.
2. Review the Offer Carefully
When the settlement is offered, each detail must be reviewed. Most victims are simply content with the offer, but accepting it too quickly may lead to financial hardship later. The settlement must cover all the medical bills, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering.
Some injuries like low back pain require lengthy treatment or rehabilitation. Accepting too low a settlement may leave the victim short of the resources needed for continuing care. Insurance carriers may want to settle quickly before medical problems are properly diagnosed. It is important to consider the settlement against ongoing and future costs to ensure it is adequate.
3. Gather Strong Evidence
A valid claim requires tangible evidence to determine the extent of damages. Doctor’s reports, medical bills and hospital records indicate the extent of the injury. Employee records and pay stubs determine the lost wages and the impact on the victim’s ability to work.
Remember that photographic records of the site where the accident occurred, the damage to the vehicle and physical harm can also support a claim. Witness statements and experts’ statements, including accident reconstruction reports, also help prove liability and the actual cost of damages.
4. Watch Out for Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies typically try to pay out as little as possible. They may contend the injury is not as severe as described, blame the victim for their role in causing the accident somehow or make the victim wait out the process as a way of coercing them into taking a reduced settlement.
With these approaches, the victim should not compromise too soon. When the insurance company undervalues the claim or does not wish to bargain in good faith, firmness must be employed to receive a fair settlement.
5. Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
A low settlement does not mean the claim is settled. The victim may make a counteroffer based on the full extent of their damages.
Current medical bills, repair estimates and records of lost wages can strengthen the argument for a higher settlement. Additional negotiations with new proof may produce a better settlement if the insurer does not offer higher.
Conclusion
Remember, a low settlement amount for a truck accident should not be accepted hastily.
If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, using the services of a lawyer specializing in truck accidents can help the victim get the full compensation needed for their recovery and rebuilding their life.
