Each year, the Department of Transportation estimates that more than half a million Americans are involved in 18 wheeler accidents each year. If that number includes you or a loved one, you may very well be wondering what to do now, or how you will pay for your damages and medical bills. Should you accept the offer made by the truck driver’s insurance company, or should you file a personal injury claim? And if you do file a lawsuit, what should you look for in an attorney? If you need answers, our Alamogordo truck accident attorneys serving Alamogordo, New Mexico are here to help. Find out what you need to know about trucking accident settlements, choosing the right 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Alamogordo, and more.
How Much Is My 18 Wheeler Accident Settlement Worth?You may be wondering, “What are trucking accident settlements typically worth?” Or “What is the value of my accident settlement?” The truth is, there is no way to calculate the average 18 wheeler accident settlement. This is because settlement values are entirely dependent on the circumstances surrounding the accident—including the extent of harm (physical, financial, and emotional) endured by the victim, the amount of property damage, and the amount of available insurance coverage.
Because of these limitations on estimating settlement outcomes, only a qualified lawyer can give you an accurate estimate of your settlement’s potential value. However, it is generally true that the more severe your injuries and financial losses, the more your settlement will likely be worth. Other factors that will determine the size of your accident settlement include whether or not the truck driver is found to be at fault and whether or not your injuries are permanent.
Why Trucking Accident Settlements are Usually Worth More Than Other Car Accident SettlementsGenerally speaking, 18 wheeler accident settlements are generally much higher than settlements in other types of car accident cases. This is because 18 wheelers usually inflict far more damage than other types of vehicles when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles due to the massive size discrepancy between big rigs and ordinary cars. Commercial trucks can legally weigh as much as 80,000 pounds—20 to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle.
Consequently, it’s not uncommon for trucking settlement amounts to range from several hundred thousand dollars to over a million. But remember, you will not know what your settlement is really worth until you consult with an attorney.
Have You Been in a New Mexico Trucking Accident? You Need to Consult an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer in AlamogordoIf you’ve been injured in a commercial trucking accident, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney before accepting any money from the insurance company, because you are likely owed more than what the truck driver’s company will initially offer you. An experienced New Mexico injury attorney who specializes in handling commercial vehicle accidents can help ensure that you know the true value of your trucking accident settlement before you make any decisions so that you aren’t accepting an offer that is too low. Your ideal New Mexico injury attorney should be someone highly experienced in handling trucking accidents, someone with trial experience, and someone with the resources to take on a major trucking corporation in court.
The Carabin Shaw DifferenceHere at Carabin Shaw, we meet all these criteria and more. Our New Mexico injury attorneys have 200 years of combined legal experience and have recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our satisfied clients—and we want to help you.
At Carabin Shaw, we offer all new clients a no cost, no obligation consultation—meaning you have absolutely nothing to lose by giving us a call today and speaking with an Alamogordo truck accident attorney. To receive a free, confidential consultation with an experienced lawyer, call our office serving Alamogordo, New Mexico at 915-779-2301. Let a professional 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Alamogordo help you get the settlement you deserve so you can get back on your feet.