Oak Lawn Truck Accident Settlements

When an individual is involved in an accident with a truck, they may pursue several options for a settlement. If the person is injured, they have a personal injury claim against the truck driver and the truck company. For a successful claim, it is critical that they can prove the injuries that resulted from the truck accident. They could settle their case out of court, or if the settlement offer is not sufficient, they may take their case to litigation. In either event, it is essential that one receives the fair compensation to which one is entitled after a truck collision.

A knowledgeable truck accident attorney could provide you with legal advice regarding your specific situation. It is best to speak to a diligent attorney to learn about the benefits and consequences of Oak Lawn truck accident settlements.

Initial Consultation with a Lawyer Following a Truck Collision

When an individual meets with a personal injury lawyer after a truck accident, they should bring several things with them to the appointment. First, they should bring the documentation they received from the police, including the police report or motorist report as well as documentation from the truck company’s insurance or their own insurance company. If they went to a doctor or the emergency room, any discharge papers they have could also be helpful. A lawyer orders many of these documents, but if the individual has them prior to the first appointment, it is useful. The initial consultation with the attorney is free, and there is no fee unless there is a recovery from the truck company’s insurance. The lawyer will be paid a percentage of the recovery.

Even with paying the lawyer their percentage of the Oak Lawn truck accident settlement, most claimants receive substantially more than if they settle the case themselves with the truck insurance company. A truck accident lawyer could recover for many things regarding medical bills, health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Therefore, it is advisable for an individual to schedule for a free initial consultation prior to speaking with an insurance company following a truck accident.

Settling a Case Rather Than Going To Trial

A truck accident attorney will attempt to negotiate a pretrial settlement with a truck company following an accident. A settlement out of court must take into consideration how the accident occurred as well as the injuries sustained. In the negotiation, the skilled lawyer recommends a range for settling or rejecting the offer from the insurance company for the truck accident.

Eventually, the claimant makes the decision whether to settle the case out of court or proceed with litigation. An experienced lawyer provides valuable advice and explains the pros and cons of each of these decisions.

Refusing a Settlement

After a truck accident, the first issue is determining liability. The injured party must prove the truck was at fault and caused the accident to occur. Sometimes, the insurance company will deny liability. In this situation, it is advisable to file a lawsuit and go to court.

Filing a lawsuit and going to court may be advisable when the insurance company for the trucker admits the accident is their insured’s fault but does not make an adequate offer of compensation. When the insurance company for the truck does not make a fair offer that reasonably compensates an individual for their injuries following an accident, the alternative is to file a lawsuit and go to court. Many factors need to be discussed as to whether to settle out of court or take a case to litigation.

Truck Accident Settlement Process

When an individual is involved in an accident with a truck, several steps must occur in the settlement process. First, their lawyer and the insurance company for the truck must agree on the terms of the settlement. It is usually a dollar amount, but it could include other considerations. Once an Oak Lawn truck accident settlement is reached, the insurance company sends a release to the lawyer for the individual to sign. A release means the person accepts the settlement, and the claim is closed.

After signing the release, the document is mailed or faxed to the insurance company representing the truck company that issues a settlement check. The settlement check is made payable to the injured person, the lawyer, and medical providers. The lawyer deposits the settlement check in their attorney trust account and disburses the settlement according to the settlement sheet.

How a Truck Crash Attorney Could Help

Some people believe they can represent themselves and obtain an adequate settlement following a truck accident. The insurance company for trucking companies may try to take advantage of someone who does not have a lawyer and has no experience in truck accident claims. It is advisable to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible following an accident.

Seek help from a determined attorney to learn about the nuances of Oak Lawn truck accident settlements. Call today to get started.