Atlanta Truck Accident Injuries: Should I Accept an Immediate Insurance Settlement Offer?
Truck accidents are common throughout Atlanta and can cause devastating personal injuries. In the aftermath, it is not uncommon for the trucking company’s insurer to contact you with an immediate settlement offer.
While this may seem like good news, insurance companies often use immediate settlements to reduce what they ultimately have to pay. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain what you need to know before signing and how to protect your rights to compensation.
Why Immediate Settlement Offers in Atlanta Truck Accident Cases Are Rarely Fair
Receiving an immediate settlement offer after an Atlanta truck accident can feel like a relief. However, these offers are not made out of generosity.
For insurance companies, the goal is to reduce payouts. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires most interstate trucking companies to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Offering you a fraction of that in the days following your crash saves the insurer money and protects profits.
Common reasons immediate settlement offers fall far short of what victims are actually owed include:
- It can take months to get a firm prognosis.
- You could be left paying out of pocket for future surgeries, rehabilitation, and other medical care.
- An immediate settlement may not factor in current lost earnings and future lost income due to ongoing impairments.
- Pain and suffering damages are frequently left out of early settlement offers.
Unfortunately, once you accept an insurance settlement offer and sign a release, you waive your rights in any future claims.
How To Protect Your Rights in an Atlanta Truck Accident Insurance Claim
When an Atlanta truck accident happens, victims are left hurting and in shock, often for weeks or months after. Insurers often take advantage of the situation, offering low-ball settlements that fail to cover your total losses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even a minor motor vehicle crash can result in $50,000 or more in medical care, property damage, and other losses. Truck accidents are significantly more severe, and your costs can easily reach seven figures.
To get the total compensation you need to recover, take these steps in dealing with insurers:
- Refuse to give a recorded statement, which the insurer is likely to use against you.
- Avoid signing any release or settlement agreement until you fully understand your long-term medical outlook.
- Get a complete medical evaluation, so you have a clear picture of your injuries before any negotiations begin.
- Have an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer calculate the true value of your claim and negotiate on your behalf.
You have one opportunity to get compensation in an Atlanta truck accident claim. To protect your rights, get professional legal help right away.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers have extensive experience with insurers and help crash victims get the maximum compensation they need in an injury claim.
We represent clients in Alpharetta, Decatur, Marietta, Savannah, and throughout Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties. For trusted legal representation, contact us today and request a consultation.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-filing-requirements
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813403
