Injuries from truck accidents can significantly affect the victim physically, financially, and emotionally. That is why it is often crucial for those injured to seek the maximum payout possible through a settlement with the at-fault party. This article discusses what factors are considered in truck accident settlements and how to maximize your claim.
What Is Taken into Account for Virginia Accident Settlements?
Many factors can influence the value of a truck accident settlement, such as:
- The available evidence — The more evidence you have to show the truck driver or another party was negligent, the stronger your case is, which will likely increase the value of a settlement. You will also need evidence of all the different injuries you’ve suffered.
- The severity of your injuries — The worse your injuries are, the more compensation you might be entitled to, as long as you can document your injuries.
- The money you’ve lost due to the accident — Medical care after a truck accident can be costly, and you may have to miss a lot of work while you recover. The more an accident costs you financially, the more compensation you can demand.
- The number of liable parties — Multiple parties may be responsible for a truck accident, such as the truck driver and the trucking company. To recover the total amount of compensation in cases like these, you will need to file claims against all the liable parties.
- The amount of insurance coverage – Commercial trucks typically carry insurance coverage with much higher limits – usually $1 million or more.
What Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement?
There’s no such thing as an “average” truck accident settlement, but you can get an idea of how much you might be able to recover by adding up:
- Your medical bills related to the accident
- Your lost wages while you recover from your injuries
- Your reduced earning potential due to a disability caused by the accident
- Your physical pain and suffering
- Your emotional distress
- The value of your damaged personal property
How to Maximize Your Truck Accident Case Value in Virginia
Here are a few tips to help you maximize the value of your settlement if you have been involved in a truck accident in Virginia:
- Before leaving the scene, take a minute to take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, the damage to the vehicles, the general crash area, and your injuries.
- See a doctor as soon as possible so they can treat and document your injuries.
- Do not give any recorded statements to insurance companies.
- Stay off of social media.
- Hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can start gathering evidence.
How Proving Fault Can Make or Break Your Settlement
The issue of fault is critical in Virginia personal injury cases because of the state’s negligence laws. Virginia uses the pure contributory negligence standard in cases where multiple parties could be liable for an accident. The law states that if you are found to have contributed to an accident, you can be barred from recovering compensation, no matter how minimal your role was.
Injured in a Virginia Truck Accident? Contact Us Today
The law firm of Arrington Schelin is ready to help you seek fair compensation through a personal injury settlement. Our attorneys have a strong track record of successfully securing the settlements our clients need and deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Virginia truck accident attorney.