Should I Settle Quickly After a Truck Accident?

Should I Settle Quickly After a Truck Accident?

Between the psychological trauma and painful hospital visits, you’ve likely already had to deal with a lot after a truck accident. In the midst of your recovery, you might receive a settlement offer from an insurance company surprisingly quickly. While it can be tempting to accept the money and move on, especially with medical bills piling up, settling too fast is often a mistake. It could cost you the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Here’s why taking your time is crucial when it comes to truck accident settlements:

• The first offer is rarely the best one.
• You may not know the full extent of your injuries yet.
• Future medical needs and costs are often unknown.
• You might overlook other damages like lost wages or pain and suffering.

At the law firm of Chris J. Roy, Jr. APLC, our experienced truck accident attorney helps clients in Louisiana handle these challenging situations. We understand the pressure you’re under and are here to ensure your rights are protected.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?

Insurance companies are typically focused on their bottom line. Their initial offer is often a lowball amount intended to close your case quickly and for the least amount of money possible. They know you’re in a vulnerable position and may be desperate for funds. Accepting this first offer, however, means you forfeit your right to seek further compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than you initially thought. This can be devastating if later financial needs come to light.

Reasons to Not Settle a Truck Accident Claim Quickly

Taking time before settling allows for a complete understanding of your situation. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Full Extent of Injuries: Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal damage, aren’t immediately apparent. Settling before a complete medical evaluation could leave you with unpaid bills for treatments you didn’t know you would need.
• Future Medical Costs: Serious injuries may require long-term care, physical therapy, or additional surgeries. A thorough legal and medical review can help estimate these future expenses so they can be included in your claim.
• Complete Calculation of Damages: Your claim is about more than just current medical bills. It should also account for any lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage (e.g., damage to your vehicle), and non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Rushing the process means that many of these components may be overlooked or undervalued.

Why Work with a Truck Accident Attorney Instead?

Truck accident claims can be incredibly complicated. Trucking companies and their insurers typically have the support of powerful legal teams. An experienced attorney on your side helps level the playing field by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation to establish liability.
• Working with medical professionals to document the full scope of your injuries.
• Accurately calculating all your past, present, and future damages.
• Handling all communication with the insurance company.
• Fighting for the compensation you rightly deserve, taking your case to court if necessary.

An attorney can help you obtain a result that more fully takes into account the losses from your accident.

Get the Help You Deserve

While a quick settlement might seem appealing in the moment, patience and the help of an attorney can lead to a much fairer outcome that truly covers your needs. Don’t let an insurance company pressure you into a decision that isn’t in your best interest.

The team at Chris J. Roy, Jr. APLC is ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. If you’re wondering what to do next after a truck accident, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.