Settlement Negotiations in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents can lead to some of the most devastating injuries that occur on the road, with many requiring time off from work for recovery, and costs associated with those recovery efforts. Dealing with the various parties involved in the aftermath of a serious truck collision can be overwhelming. There are not only multiple insurance companies, but also often a large legal team representing the trucking industry’s interests. Miami truck accident attorney Robert Dixon of the Law Offices of Robert Dixon offer seasoned and knowledgeable legal representation for clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in a collision involving an 18-wheeler. Our legal advocates have the skills and experience to handle settlement negotiations in truck accident cases and a wide variety of other matters. We assist residents of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, as well as other communities throughout South Florida in personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you have questions regarding your legal rights and options following a truck accident, please contact our office today to set up a free, no obligation consultation about your potential claim.

A variety of factors go into settlement negotiations following a truck accident. Many times, since injuries are generally more severe in truck accidents than in other motor vehicle collisions, settlement amounts may be higher. Federal regulations require commercial trucks to carry higher levels of insurance than those required of smaller vehicles. Following a truck accident, settlement negotiations involve assessing the following issues:

• A victim’s injuries, including whether they are permanent or life threatening, such as may be the case with spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries.
• A victim’s medical needs, including any hospitalization or surgery required, as well as doctor visits.
• A victim’s medical expenses, both incurred and anticipated.
• The impact on a victim’s income, both in terms of past lost income as well as any changes to future earnings that are expected due to his or her injury.
• A victim’s pain and suffering as well as disability resulting from a collision.
• Each party’s degree of fault.

These are the initial factors that go into the beginning of settlement negotiations in truck accident cases. However, there may be arguments regarding the valuation of each, as insurance adjusters as well as trucking company representatives may disagree on a victim’s stated severity of injury and future needs. Detailed evidence is key in negotiation efforts, and can include medical records, as well as expert opinions from treating doctors, accident reconstructionists, and others in making sure victims receive proper settlement amounts.

Although most truck accident cases result in a settlement as opposed to going to trial, it often takes considerable time to make sure all the facts are in order. The full extent of a victim’s injury, as well as costs for medical care and any other permanent disability is often not known immediately. Additionally, liability issues such as each drivers’ responsibility as well as that of a trucking company requires detailed analysis of business practices, black box data, and other investigative measures. Ninety percent of personal injury cases are settled before litigation, so making sure these settlements are reflective of a victim’s actual harm is the main priority. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, it is wise to contact an attorney as soon as possible to make sure evidence is preserved and your legal rights are protected.

Coping with a catastrophic injury or grieving a loved one following a truck accident is difficult enough. Worrying about how you are going to financially cover the costs of that recovery should not be a victim’s priority. Robert Dixon and the other lawyers at his firm make your legal issues their number one focus so that you can take the time you need to heal. Please call the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to speak with an attorney about your legal options and schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We serve clients in areas including West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.