If you were hurt in a truck accident caused by a truck driver, you want to obtain all the compensation you are entitled to under Virginia law in your settlement. However, it may be harder than you think to convince the trucker and trucking company's insurance company to pay you what you deserve. Here are five tips on how you can recover the maximum amount possible.
Tip #1: Hire a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
The best way to ensure that you receive the maximum amount you are entitled to is to retain an experienced truck accident attorney immediately after your truck collision. Your .jpeg)
lawyer can help you build a winning case in many ways, such as:
- Help you avoid making mistakes that could weaken your claim
- Investigate the cause of your crash and collect the evidence you need to prove the truck driver's and trucking company's negligence
- Send the trucking company a spoliation letter notifying them not to destroy evidence that can help you win your case
- Hire expert witnesses that can assist in resolving disputed issues with the insurance company
- Fight with the insurance company so that you receive a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit for you if this is necessary
Tip #2: Understand the Value of Your Claim
You need to know the value of your claim in order to make an informed decision on whether to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company. However, it can be hard to calculate your pain and suffering damages and future medical expenses and lost wages. Your lawyer should be able to give you an accurate valuation of your claim based on the facts of your case and their experience settling cases like yours.
Tip #3: Stay Off Social Media
You should stay off social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, while your claim is being resolved. At a minimum, do not discuss your accident or injuries on these sites and be careful what activities you post about. The insurance company will most likely search your social media sites more than once while investigating your claim and will use any harmful information they find to deny your claim or reduce the amount they pay you.
Tip #4: Don't Accept the First Offer
You should not accept the insurance company's first settlement offer. They are most likely offering far less than you deserve and are hoping that your desire for a quick settlement will make you agree to it. You should never accept any offer of settlement or sign any documents from the insurance company without first consulting with your lawyer.
Tip#5: Identify All Legal Parties
It is important to identify all the parties who were at fault in causing your truck accident and file claims with their insurance companies. By doing this, you increase the likelihood that you will be fully compensated for your injuries. Liable parties can include the truck driver, trucking company, shipper, truck maintenance facility, and more.
Do you want to receive the maximum recovery from the negligent trucker's and trucking company's insurance company? Fill out our convenient online form or call our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation to learn how we will aggressively fight for your rights.
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