When it comes to dealing with your insurance company after a trucking accident, it can be very difficult to figure out the best move for you. As much as we may like to believe insurance companies have our best interest at heart, the fact is their primary goal is to make money. For that reason, it is always important to review any settlement offer before accepting.
Was this the first offer?
Have you been negotiating back and forth or was this the very first offer the insurance company has contacted you with? Sometimes insurance companies may attempt to lowball you by offering an unfair settlement amount. It is often true that the first settlement offer an insurance company makes is not all that they are willing to give. Rather than accept, it might be best for you and your lawyer to consider negotiating with your insurance company.
What did the accident cost you?
It is important to understand the financial, emotional, and physical cost of your accident and the resulting damage. Calculate what you spent on medical bills, wages lost while recovering from injuries, damage to your vehicle, future medical expenses, as well as any other financial costs. Also, consider the emotional impact of the accident. Some accidents are traumatic and may require therapy or counseling, not to mention mental or emotional anguish.
Think about any priceless losses you have suffered because of the trucking accident. Did you sustain injuries that will prevent you from having children? Did the accident cost you your ability to work in the same field? Weigh these losses against the settlement offer the insurance company is proposing and discuss your options with your lawyer.
Legally speaking, insurance companies are obligated to provide you with a fair and timely assessment of the damage sustained during your accident. Trucking accidents can be extremely damaging, usually more so than other types of auto accidents because of the size and weight of semi-trucks. These types of accidents can result in brain damage, spinal injuries, broken bones, and countless other kinds of serious harm. If you were injured in an accident, it is important that you only accept a fair settlement offer that provides you with maximum compensation.
Contact Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. today to get started.