Each year, the roadways in and around Pasadena, TX are the site of many accidents involving commercial trucks. When truck accidents occur, the people most likely to be injured are the occupants of other vehicles, and the most likely way for their subsequent truck accident cases to be resolved is via a negotiated settlement. If you have been injured in this type of accident, an experienced truck crash lawyer from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP can help you understand Pasadena truck accident settlements and provide services to handle your case.
What Is a Settlement in a Truck Accident Case?
A settlement is an out-of-court resolution to a civil claim. Following a truck accident on a Pasadena roadway that was caused by someone’s negligence, individuals who have been injured or have sustained property damage can file a claim against the liability insurance coverage held by the at-fault party. When the insurer receives this claim, they assign a claims adjuster to determine whether the company is liable for the claim and how much they owe the claimant.
Often, the claims adjuster will offer to settle the claim for far below its stated value, requiring a lawyer to negotiate on behalf of the claimant to get the offer increased. Once both sides are able to agree to the terms of the settlement, a judge must sign off on the agreement for it to become official.
Settlements typically cover both the financial, as well as the psychological, impacts of the harm that was suffered by the claimant, including medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of the enjoyment of life. The benefits of having a claim resolved through a settlement include avoiding a lengthier and costlier court process, having a say in how the case will be resolved instead of leaving those decisions to a judge or jury, and avoiding the publicity of a trial.
The Actions of a Lawyer May Help You Receive a Fair Settlement
The ability to receive fair compensation for a personal injury claim typically involves the use of a lawyer, as the claims process in Texas is complex, and insurance companies may be extremely difficult to deal with alone. A lawyer may provide services including managing the deadlines of the case to protect the viability of the claimant’s case, gathering evidence and documents needed to show liability and support the claim’s stated value, negotiating, and even the willingness to go to court to fight for fair compensation if the insurance company fails to make an adequate settlement offer.
A fair settlement, of course, covers all the claimant’s expenses and includes compensation for the psychological impacts suffered as a result of the accident as well. Failing to secure a large enough settlement can leave a claimant having to pay for some of their accident-related expenses out of pocket. Insurance companies traditionally attempt to keep settlements low to protect their bottom line, as their money is made from selling policies, not compensating claims.
Learn More About Truck Accident Settlements and Call a Pasadena Attorney
Settlements are by far the most common way that local truck accidents are resolved. It is important to have the assistance of a legal team that understands all of the aspects of getting a fair settlement offer and the willing to fight alongside you for the best outcome possible for your case. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
