You suffered injuries in a truck accident because of the truck driver’s negligence. However, the trucking company doesn’t want to use its insurance to pay for the damages. Instead, they offer you a small settlement. While it may be tempting to accept the offer, it’s probably not in your best interest.
Major Causes of Truck Accidents Due to Driver Errors
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 130,000 people suffered injuries involving accidents with large trucks in 2014. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that 88 percent of these accidents occur because of truck driver errors, including:
- Fatigue
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Overloading cargo
- Speeding
- Distractions such as texting, watching movies, and playing games on electronic devices
Parties Liable for the Accident
The truck driver may have been the one to cause the accident, but there may be other parties responsible for the accident, such as owner of the trucking company, truck tire manufacturer, truck manufacturer and defective part manufacturer.
Damages for Your Expenses and Losses
There are many types of losses you can suffer from a truck accident. For example, the medical treatment for your injuries can cost thousands of dollars. Other common losses include lost wages, vehicle damage and pain and suffering.
Outcomes of Accepting a Settlement
If you say yes to a settlement, the trucking company will want you to sign an agreement. By signing this agreement, you won’t be able to take any further legal action against the trucking company. After you use all of the settlement money, you won’t be able to claim future damages, like ongoing medical bills. You will have to pay for the costs yourself.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
It’s in your best interest to speak to a truck accident attorney before accepting a settlement. He or she will determine if the compensation is fair or not. If the settlement is too low, your lawyer may decide to file a lawsuit. He or she may ask you for several documents, like a police report, medical records, proof of earnings from your job and trucking company information.
If you were injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses. Schedule a meeting with an experienced attorney, like a truck accident lawyer Phoenix AZ can count on, today to discuss your case. He or she can help you file a lawsuit and protect your legal rights.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Lorona Mead for their insight into trucking accident cases.