Average Accident Settlements After a Truck Accident
When it comes to dealing with the aftermath of a truck crash, victims and families are often daunted by the process. Whether they’re coping with long-term physical injuries and financial difficulties or even job loss, victims are forced to pick up the pieces following an injury wreck, especially if it involves a large 18-wheeler. But negotiating with insurance companies and seeking legal recourse after these truck accidents are essential.
Furthermore, victims may be discouraged from seeking an accident settlement. However, it’s important to know how to negotiate in the aftermath of a big-rig accident in Arizona and be aware of the average accident settlements.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a truck accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix truck accident lawyers at ELG. Our team of serious Arizona accident lawyers is here to help you safeguard your legal rights and help you explore your settlement options.
How to Begin an Accident Claim After a Truck Accident
The first step is organizing the facts of your case. Note the extent of your injuries, including long-term physical and emotional consequences. Document the damage to your vehicle, as well as any injuries or effects on your passengers. Other financial consequences after a crash may include medical receipts, physical therapy, and lost wages.
You must also highlight the negative emotional impact. For example, a car crash can impact your personal relationships or your ability to care for loved ones, such as your children or spouse. If you’re the breadwinner in your home and are unable to work after an accident, you could seek compensation for lost wages. Though it’s difficult to place value on emotional suffering, noting these factors contribute to your favorable settlement.
Oftentimes, the claim process takes months. You may be tempted to take the first compensation offer made by the insurance company, but avoid accepting this initial offer. An adjuster may try to convince you that the expense to file a truck accident claim in Arizona is too great. In other words, adjusters will make a lower offer to settle your case. It’s important to remember that you should consult your attorney to review terms and never accept a lower offer.
Claim Settlements After Truck Accidents
The value of each accident settlement is different because no two victims experience exactly the same losses. However, it’s important to understand the average accident settlement. First, be aware that Arizona courts split damages into three main categories:
- Special Damages: Special damages refer to an individual’s exact monetary losses. Damages include past and future medical expenses, medical treatment, lost wages, and lost earning opportunities.
- General Damages: Most victims experience general damages. From emotional trauma and psychological impact, these damages are universal but more difficult to predict.
- Punitive Damages: Finally, punitive damages don’t apply in all accident claims. Punitive damages are an additional form of compensation a judge can award if they don’t think compensatory damages are enough. For example, these damages are common in cases where the defendant is guilty of gross negligence, such as breaking company regulation and driving while fatigued.
Settlement Expectations After a Truck Crash
Claim data shows that the average accident settlement falls between $14,000 and $28,000, or right around $21,000. The average value of more serious truck accidents is around $31,000 or can be greater than $50,000. Generally, the more serious the injuries and damages involved, the higher the claim value will be.
For example, a truck accident that results in a spinal cord injury and permanent paralysis could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is due to the lifetime costs related to the victim’s injury. In rare cases, plaintiffs could receive millions of dollars in damages depending on the circumstances. Typically, personal injury trials result in higher compensation than insurance settlements.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Phoenix
No matter the accident, the best way to maximize your claim is to consult your attorney. Your lawyer will help you organize the facts of your case and act as a liaison during negotiations. This process is especially important if you’re dealing with a trucking company.
Contact our Phoenix injury lawyers at ELG today at (623) 877-3600 for a free consultation. If you’ve sustained physical and emotional trauma in a serious truck accident, it’s important to speak to your lawyer. Our compassionate, skilled attorneys have years of experience in fighting for victims and their families to secure their fair compensation after they’ve suffered in a devastating 18-wheeler accident.
