If you were the victim of a semi-truck accident, you have most likely walked away with extensive property damage and physical injuries. Semi-truck collisions have a long track record of causing significant bodily injuries, which can have a life-altering impact.
The medical costs associated with these types of accidents are very high, so it is important to fight for the compensation you need to pay your medical bills. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you do this as well as navigate the negotiation process.
So, keep reading to get an idea of how much medical treatment costs after a trucking accident and how to receive a fair settlement.
Average Medical Costs Associated With Semi-Truck Collisions
A report showed that from 2017 to 2021, the number of fatalities involving truck accidents in the US increased by 18%. It's estimated that 13% of all traffic fatalities involve traffic crashes where a large truck is involved.
The average cost of a semi-truck collision covering basic health and property damage is $334,892. However, the settlement amount will be very different depending on the factors involved in each case.
In Alabama, the average cost for an emergency room visit is $1,496, while an inpatient hospital stay is around $1,786. These expenses don't take into account surgery, medical treatment, physical therapy, or ongoing care.
For truck collisions that result in fatalities, the average cost is 7.2 million or more.
How Are Settlements Determined?
A critical aspect of getting the compensation you deserve after a trucking accident involves understanding a good settlement. You don't want to agree to an unfair settlement that isn't going to help you pay your medical bills or allow you to recover from your injuries.
Here are some factors taken into consideration when settlements are determined so that you get a fair price:
- Severity of injuries: How badly you are injured will be one of the biggest factors that impact how much your settlement will be. This includes whether the injury is disabling or if you require surgery or long-term medical care.
- Financial impact: If you sustain physical injuries from a trucking accident, you will most likely also experience a financial impact from this. You may have to miss work as you are recovering, or you may be unable to return to work if your injuries are extensive. Things like loss of income, reduced earning potential, and property damage will all be considered.
- State laws: Every state has its own laws regarding trucking accidents that can have an impact on your settlement. Thankfully, in the state of Alabama, there is no cap on the type or the amount of damages you can receive. This means you can receive both economic and non-economic damages for personal injury cases.
- Negligence: In trucking accident cases that involve negligence from the truck driver, your settlement will usually be higher. For this to apply, your trucking accident attorney will need to provide proof that the driver was distracted, driving recklessly, or driving while impaired.
If you still aren't sure how much of a settlement you should expect after a truck collision, you will need to consult a personal injury attorney. They can guide you through this complex process so that you don't accept an unfair offer.
How to Get a Fair Settlement
Working with a trucking company after being involved in a collision can be overwhelming for most individuals. These companies aren't always cooperative and may not provide a fair settlement amount. Because of this, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Hire an Attorney
One of the first steps you need to take after a trucking collision is to hire a personal injury attorney. An attorney will represent you and negotiate on your behalf with the other involved parties so that this responsibility doesn't rest on your shoulders.
Gather Evidence
Collecting evidence after a truck collision is incredibly important if you want to receive compensation for your injuries. Evidence will help to showcase who was at fault and the extent of the damages you have experienced from the collision.
Examples of important evidence you want to collect are photographs of the scene of the accident, medical records, video footage, and eyewitness testimonies. Your attorney will collect this evidence for you as they are building your case.
File a Claim or Lawsuit
After collecting evidence, you and your attorney will need to file a claim with the trucking company's insurance provider or the driver's insurance company. Along with this evidence, you will also need to provide your explanation of how the accident happened and everything that followed, as well as the extent of your injuries.
The insurance company will look at your claim and may start to negotiate a settlement amount. If they are unwilling to provide a fair settlement, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit in court.
Contact a Trucking Accident Attorney Today at Low Cost Lawyer!
At Low Cost Lawyer, we use the latest modern technological advancements to help our clients get affordable legal representation. This allows us to provide our legal services at a 30% contingency fee instead of the industry standard 40% fee, allowing you to get more out of your compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, you need to hire an experienced trucking accident attorney. At Low Cost Lawyer, we have handled hundreds of
trucking accident cases and can help you navigate this process to get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today at 855-595-8889, and we will get started on your case.
Don't Settle For Less Than You Are Entitled to After a Trucking Accident!
Getting into a truck collision is not only a financial and mental strain; it often results in extensive bodily injuries. Because of this, you will most likely be left with significant medical treatment bills that you won't be able to cover on your own. At Low Cost Lawyer, we fight on your behalf to protect your rights and negotiate to get a fair settlement. Call us today at 855-595-8889 or contact us by filling out our online form.