Truck accidents are often severe, causing innocent people to suffer debilitating injuries. When they happen, filing a lawsuit becomes a reasonable response.
Most lawsuits end in pretrial settlements, which is good for numerous reasons. Here are some matters to consider if you are the victim of a wreck resulting from a careless truck driver.
When Settlements Happen
Truck accident settlements are possible any time following an accident. After a jury renders a verdict, a deal becomes no longer possible. Still, a compromise can take shape even during a trial. Once a settlement is complete, the injured party no longer has the right to sue.
For many defendants, negotiating payment makes sense over engaging in a lengthy trial. Settlements often happen immediately after a lawsuit enters the initiation phase. In other instances, the defendant will delay offering an injured person a reward. They hope the pressure of mounting bills forces acceptance of a less-generous offer.
How Much Settlements Pay
There is a massive range in payouts involving trucking settlements. Some result in only a few thousand dollars, whereas others result in millions. Identifying how much your case is worth can be easier when you consult a professional.
Potential legal damages include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and destroyed property. There is also the nebulous matter of pain and suffering, which is often tricky to calculate.
Anyone suffering injury from a truck accident should receive compensation. Going to trial is one way of extracting payment. Settling out of court is another. If the actions of a trucker driving a big rig hurt you, think carefully about the best legal path for you.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Shay + Associates Law Firm if you require the expertise of a skilled personal injury lawyer in Springfield or Decatur, Illinois.