How Do Truck Accident Settlements Work in Morristown, TN?

judge's wooden gavel placed on top of several $100 bills

In Tennessee, at-fault truck drivers and other liable parties are financially responsible for accidents they cause. If you suffered injuries in a truck accident in Morristown, you could be entitled to pursue a settlement from the negligent truck driver, the trucking company, and other negligent parties who caused the accident.

Truck accident settlements can be reached when those involved in the collision and their insurers and lawyers negotiate with the injured person about the money needed to cover their losses. The stronger your case, the more of an advantage you will have during this process. A truck accident attorney with The Terry Law Firm can assist with building a robust claim for compensation.

Why You Need Our Law Firm for Truck Crash Settlement Negotiations

Since 1960, our law firm has helped personal injury victims across Tennessee safeguard their rights and future through pursuing maximum compensation for their losses. Truck accident cases can be complex, but we have the experience you need. We are committed to seeking justice for our clients.

When you hire our attorneys, you get a full-service legal team dedicated to achieving the highest settlement possible in your case. We offer:

Qualified lawyers with a proven track record that includes million-dollar-plus tractor-trailer accident compensation
Over 50 years of combined legal experience
Responsive and communicative attorneys and staff
Personalized services focused on securing the maximum compensation possible
A no-fee guarantee that promises you do not owe attorney fees until we recover money for you

Factors Affecting Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

Every truck accident claim is unique, and many factors can affect the value of a potential settlement. Variables that could influence your recoverable compensation include:

The severity of your injury and the extent of your medical treatment
The strength of your claim and supporting evidence
Your age at the time of injury
Your current wages and employment benefits
How long you cannot work, and if you can return to your job
Whether you bear any fault for the crash
The at-fault party’s insurance policies and their policy limits

Because trucks are larger and heavier than passenger cars, they create a lot of force in a crash. Individuals in the smaller vehicle often suffer more severe injuries, which often lead to a larger settlement. However, the severity of the injuries and the high cost of medical treatment also make truck accident claims more challenging. Fortunately, commercial vehicles typically carry insurance coverage with higher limits. However, with more money on the line, expect insurance adjusters to put up a forceful fight when negotiating a truck accident settlement.

The Truck Accident Settlement Process in Tennessee

After an accident, one of the first steps your lawyer will take is to file a claim against the at-fault party’s auto liability insurance policy. Doing so promptly will ensure you do not miss any deadlines. Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is just one year after the accident date.

After filing, the trucking company accident settlement process typically follows these steps:

Investigation – Our lawyers can collect evidence to prove that a negligent driver, trucking company, or other liable party was responsible for your injuries. Evidence may include the police report, the truck driver’s logs, data from the truck’s black box, medical records, surveillance and dashcam videos, and witness testimony.
Demand letter – We can analyze the full extent of your losses and send a demand letter to the liable party’s insurer. The letter will outline your claim and request that the insurance company compensate you fairly and fully.
Insurance company response – The insurance company will respond to the demand letter. It will either accept your claim, make a counteroffer, or deny payment.
Negotiations – Securing a settlement usually involves back-and-forth negotiations with the insurance company. We can communicate on your behalf and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation possible.
Settlement – Once we reach an agreement with the insurance company, we will review the settlement and have you sign it. If we cannot get the money you need through settlement negotiations, we can take your case to civil court and represent you in a truck accident lawsuit.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Negotiating with insurance companies can be complicated and intimidating. Insurance adjusters have a goal: to increase their company’s profits. They will look out for their employer, not you. You need an advocate who will fight for you. Our team can use our negotiation skills and experience to:

Review settlement offers and reject lowball payments
Protect you from undue pressure to settle for less than you deserve
Push back against allegations of negligence or wrongdoing on your part
Defend against bad-faith tactics
Argue for the most advantageous settlement possible

The Role of a Morristown Truck Accident Lawyer in Settlements

The role of our Morristown truck accident lawyers in the settlement process is to act as your legal advocate to pursue the money you need. We are ready to investigate your crash, identify liable parties, identify all your losses, and gather evidence proving you deserve compensation.

In general, 18-wheeler accident settlements may include:

Current and future medical bills – Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Victims may face significant medical expenses and need resources for their ongoing care. Our lawyers will work to recover compensation for current and future treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and long-term nursing.
Lost income – Our attorneys can seek money to cover your lost wages and employment benefits. If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or forces you to leave the workforce, we can pursue awards for lost future income and diminished earning capacity.
Pain and suffering – We can seek monetary awards for intangible losses, including quality-of-life reductions, chronic pain, scarring, disfigurement, permanent and disabling injuries, mental anguish, and emotional distress.

Talk to Our Experienced Morristown Truck Accident Lawyers Today

The Terry Law Firm understands how important a trucking accident settlement is to getting your life back on track. We take your case seriously and will give it the time and attention it deserves. Let us fight for you.

Truck Accidents

How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?

When you file a truck accident claim, you may be able to recover compensation for various expenses and losses you incurred due to the crash. Your case may provide you with financial recovery for your:

Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Lost income
Lost future earning potential and job benefits
Pain and suffering
Lost enjoyment or quality of life
Vehicle repairs or reimbursement of your car’s value

Should I Call the Police After My Truck Accident?

Yes, it’s crucial to call the police at the scene of a truck accident. The police can investigate the crash scene, gather information from the truck driver and other motorists and eyewitnesses, and prepare an accident report. Police crash reports often provide critical information for truck accident claims.

What Else Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?

Other steps you should take at the crash scene include:

Check on everyone involved in the accident to see if anyone requires immediate medical attention.
Move your vehicle out of the path of traffic if possible, or walk to the side of the road if your car has been disabled.
Get the truck driver’s employer and insurance information and insurance information from any other drivers involved in the crash.
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, visible injuries you suffered, skid marks on the road, and traffic controls at the scene.
Talk to eyewitnesses to obtain a brief statement of what they saw and their contact information.

Who Will Pay for My Truck Accident?

In most cases, the insurer of the at-fault truck driver or the trucking company that employed the driver will pay you compensation for your truck accident claim if they are found liable. Other parties may also have liability for the accident, including:

The truck’s owner
The cargo company
The truck and trailer manufacturer
Manufacturers of parts used on the truck
Third-party auto shops that serviced the truck

Do I Need a Lawyer to Help After a Truck Accident?

You should contact a truck accident attorney immediately after a truck accident. A lawyer will know what it takes to thoroughly investigate the accident and prepare a compelling, persuasive legal claim. A lawyer can also document your injuries and losses and estimate future expenses to ensure you seek total compensation. Your attorney can also deal with trucking company representatives, insurance adjusters, defense lawyers, or bill collectors on your behalf so you can focus on healing.

Are There Special Laws That Apply in Truck Accident Cases?

Although liability for the truck accident is determined under traditional state negligence laws, other laws – such as state and federal trucking industry regulations – may affect the outcome of your case. For example, a truck driver’s violation of the federal or state hours-of-service regulations may serve as evidence that they were too tired to drive safely. Speak with your attorney to learn more about the laws that apply in your case.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex?

Here are some factors that make truck accident cases more complicated than other kinds of auto accident claims:

Truck accident victims often suffer more severe injuries that require longer, more expensive medical care.
Truck accidents can injure more people than other types of crashes.
Truck accidents may have multiple liable parties who will fight with each other to shift financial responsibility among themselves.
Truck accident claims may involve lots of complex evidence.
Trucking companies may have complicated corporate structures or layered insurance policies that make it difficult to determine the extent of financial assets available to the company.