If you are in an accident involving a car and semi-trailer, and the truck is at fault, should you settle? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The specific circumstances of the truck accident, the value of your damages, and the details of the potential settlement are just some of the factors that play into this decision.
At Bressman Law, our Ohio truck accident team can help you weigh your options, make a decision, and try to help you negotiate a fair payout for your damages, expenses, and losses. Call (614) 538-1116 for a free consultation.
Which Factors Will Impact My Settlement?
There are a number of factors that play a role in what a fair settlement will look like in your case. The value of this type of case is often difficult to calculate on your own, and many accident victims underestimate the value of their damages. Some of the factors that determine how much your claim is worth are:
- Whether you suffered any serious injuries;
- The treatment you required;
- Your pain and suffering;
- How much work you missed;
- If you can return to your previous job;
- The damage to your vehicle, and if the body shop can repair it; and
- The total value of your expenses and losses.
In some cases, there may also be circumstances where the truck driver acted in a particularly reckless or intentional way. If this occurred in your case, a judge might award punitive damages. We can help you understand if this might be possible based on our experience and the facts of your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
What Are My Legal Options After an Ohio Semi-Truck Crash?
If you decide to work with our legal team instead of settling your case on your own, we will handle the entire process for you. We will take the following steps to help you go after a fair settlement.
Investigate Your Case
We thoroughly investigate every claim we handle. We identify, collect, and analyze evidence to prove fault and build a strong case. We can even call in specialists to help us understand who caused your accident and why. We might speak with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry experts, and vehicle engineers. A strong case gives us a better chance of recovering the maximum payout possible for you.
Put a Value on Your Damages
As a part of our investigation, we will collect documentation of your full range of accident-related expenses and losses. We will obtain receipts, estimates, bills, and other proof of your damages. This documentation allows us to calculate an accurate value for your damages and helps you understand the range a fair settlement might fall into.
Handle the Claim
We can send a demand letter to the trucking company, its law firm, or its insurance company and ask for a fair payout for your damages. This letter will outline our case against the truck driver and the severity and nature of your damages.
Try to Negotiate a Fair Settlement
In most cases, the trucking company will not agree to the payout we demand when we file a claim. However, this opens the door for settlement negotiations. The choice of whether you accept a settlement during this process is up to you. We will provide you with guidance, helping you understand if you deserve more than the amount the trucking company and its insurer are offering.
Take Your Case to Court, If Necessary
If the trucking company or its insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement that covers your expenses and losses, we will not hesitate to take your case to court to try to recover the compensation you deserve. We will file a personal injury lawsuit and present the case we built to the judge. We will argue for a verdict that pays you the full amount you deserve.
Ultimately, it is up to you if you want to settle the case and accept the payout offer from the trucking company or its insurer. We think it is a good idea to discuss your options with an Ohio truck accident attorney before you sign anything or agree to a settlement. Our initial consultations are free, and there is no obligation to work with us if you decide you can handle the settlement negotiations on your own.
How Can I Talk to an Ohio Truck Accident Lawyer Today?
At Bressman Law, our team treats every client like a member of our family. We offer personalized services and one-on-one attention, while leveraging our significant resources to fight for your right to compensation.
We offer free case reviews for Ohio truck accident victims. Call us today at (614) 538-1116 to schedule a time to talk to a member of our team about your accident.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
