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Settlement Process for a Truck Accident in St. Louis
When someone’s negligence caused a truck accident, it is possible to obtain fair compensation for the injury sustained. The settlement process in St. Louis is complex, challenging, and confusing, especially for those who haven’t experienced it.
Truck accident settlement procedures and processes differ from state to state. There may be complications in truck accident cases in St. Louis due to the fact that trucking companies may deny your injury claim or pay you unfair compensation. These trucking companies have the help of their insurers to do so. As a result, if you attempt to settle your truck accident claim without the assistance of an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer, you may not be able to collect any compensation from trucking companies.
What Is a Truck Accident Settlement?
A truck accident settlement holds negligent drivers accountable for losses and injuries sustained by truck accident victims.
Truck drivers injured in an accident through no fault of their own have the right to file a workers’ comp claim for compensation from the trucking company for their injuries. A reasonable settlement will ensure adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and personal injury damages.
Depending on whether the case involves multiple parties, commercial litigation, or other factors, truck accidents may take several months or even years to settle.
You can hire an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer to help you file a lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim to seek fair compensation from the trucking company or a liable party if you have been injured in a truck accident.
Average Truck Accident Settlement in St. Louis
Settlement amounts for truck accidents depend on the type and severity of the injuries suffered by the truck driver or individual.
Generally, minor injuries or damages attract minimal compensation from the at-fault party. On the other hand, if you have sustained a permanent injury from a St. Louis truck accident and require continuous medical care, you could seek a significant settlement amount to cover your current and future treatment.
Your chances of recovering compensation for your maximum amount owed increase when you hire a St. Louis, Missouri, truck accident lawyer.
What Is a Reasonable Settlement Offer?
Truck accident settlements depend on the type and severity of injuries sustained by truck drivers or victims. In St. Louis, a reasonable settlement for injury claims should include enough financial compensation to cover the following:
- Medical bills (present and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Home care and any modifications required to deal with severe injuries
- Damaged property
- Wages lost while you cannot work
- Future lost income if you sustained life-changing injuries
How Long Should I Wait to File My Truck Accident Lawsuit In St. Louis, Missouri?
The statute of limitations stipulates the time you have to file a legal action for trucking accident cases. The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in St. Louis is clearly stated in the Missouri Code. Section 516.120, which sets a five-year deadline from the day of the crash or when injuries were discovered for victims or their injury lawyer to file their case.
However, a trucking accident victim should file their case as soon as possible and avoid delays that may adversely impact their personal injury claims.
How Do I Maximize My Truck Accident Lawsuit Value in St. Louis?
The trucking accident case settlement process in St. Louis, Missouri, is always complex, as the shock of the event can throw you off-balance. Not knowing the next step to take or how to seek fair compensation is not unusual. Below are some essential steps to take to maximize the value of truck accident cases:
Alert 911 Immediately
While still at the accident scene, the first step is to call 911 to report the crash. Ensure to wait for an officer and emergency medical team to be sent to attend to your wounds. The officer will assess the impact and generate an accident report that will be helpful in pursuance of your injury claims.
Gather Necessary Information
The next thing to do is to get the necessary information from the truck driver and witnesses. Getting eyewitness accounts and contacts is always advisable. Do not solely rely on a police report. You can politely get the truck driver’s information like name, phone number, address, etc.
Get Medical Treatment
It is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible after being involved in a truck accident. Getting a doctor’s appointment too late could negatively impact your case. In case you have not been treated at the scene, see a doctor immediately.
Keep Records
It is essential for you to have relevant documentation to support your injury claims and losses in order to make the most of your case and receive adequate compensation. It is for this reason that you need to keep copies of all medical records, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and billing statements you receive. These documents will help you prove the severity of your injuries and support your claims.
Don’t Neglect to Hire A Truck Accident Attorney
The most vital step is to hire experienced St. Louis truck accident attorneys to handle your case and ensure you get maximum compensation for any loss and injury sustained in the crash. Missouri truck accident lawyers are experienced in both the commercial truck industry and personal injury law, so they are well-equipped to craft a strong case to recover compensation for your injuries.
Negotiating a Settlement in St. Louis, Missouri
Signing a workers’ compensation settlement agreement could be costly without thoroughly reviewing the content. A signed workers’ comp settlement agreement prevents you from obtaining additional compensation or payment in the future. When negotiating a settlement in Missouri, it is advisable to involve an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
Some people are sometimes quick to accept an insurance adjusters settlement offer given to them. However, experienced truck accident lawyers understand the financial and emotional challenges suffered now and in the future by victims. They will ensure you maintain your right to future medical care and other benefits by negotiating a larger settlement offer.
How Long Does Insurance Have to Settle a Claim in St. Louis?
Insurance settlements take time because there are several processes involved. However, an insurance company has 30 days to submit a written offer to settle an insurance claim. The 30 days begin on the date the claim was filed.
The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced St. Louis injury attorney will evaluate the accident evidence, collect evidence to prove your injuries, and submit a claim to the insurance company. If the insurance company does not settle within 30 days, we will prepare a court case and vigorously fight for your rights.
Contact us for a free initial consultation about your injury claims.
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