Should I Settle with the Trucking Company After an 18 Wheeler Accident?

As commercial vehicle traffic in the Eagle Ford Shale rises, so have severe accidents. Local drivers have cause to worry. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 57% of all fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2017 occurred in rural areas. Much of South Texas fits this bill, and our lawyers are taking notice of the increased risk residents in the Rio Grande Valley face when they get on the road.

If you were in a semi-truck collision, you might be asking, “Should I settle with the trucking company after an 18 wheeler accident?” This question makes sense. Trucking companies typically have large, aggressive legal teams that make it seem like settling is your best option, no matter what. However, the Rio Grande Valley trucking accident lawyers of Carabin Shaw want you to know that you have other choices. We are here to help you make the best decision for you.

When pursuing a personal injury case, you have two primary options: You can either settle or sue. If you choose to sue the opposing party, you will go to court and either a judge or jury will decide the verdict. Settling happens out-of-court and has a few clear advantages. Settling allows you to:

• Receive compensation faster
• Avoid lengthy court proceedings
• Minimize legal fees as a result of the expedited process

A Rio Grande Valley 18 wheeler accident lawyer will tell you that settling is typically a “cleaner,” preferable option to going to court. However, even if you decide to settle your case, you should still have your own attorney to advocate for fair compensation. A trucking company that is pressuring you to settle might want to avoid paying you a reasonable amount for your injuries. Do not leave your fate in their hands.

Additionally, if your trucking accident involves issues with fault, then you may want to file a formal lawsuit and go to court. The Rio Grande Valley accident attorneys with our firm can help you determine your next steps.

Personal injury lawyers work with insurance agents to determine a fair settlement value for all involved parties. This investigation determines who is at-fault for the accident and to what extent the injured party has been harmed. In the interest of being as thorough as possible, investigators will look into:

• The official accident report
• Photographs of the scene
• Witness statements
• Medical records

As you engage with the settlement process, you should keep detailed records of pertinent information to help your Rio Grande Valley 18 wheeler accident lawyer build a case in your favor. Keep in mind, if settlement negotiations fall through and you go to court, most of the data you’ve gathered will still apply in a jury case.

Damages, or financial compensation, differ from case-to-case. However, they are usually dependent on the severity of the accident. You might be able to claim redress for:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Lost wages and benefits

You want to know, “Should I settle with the trucking company after an 18 wheeler accident?” The answer is simple: only if they take all of the above conditions into account. The Rio Grande Valley trucking accident lawyers of Carabin Shaw will make sure that they do.

If you are looking for the best legal counsel in South Texas, you want the Rio Grande Valley accident attorneys of Carabin Shaw. Our firm has decades of experience representing Texans following trucking accidents. We are ready to leverage this expertise on your behalf to secure the settlement you deserve.

We offer first-time clients a free, no-obligation consultation. Additionally, all of our contracts are contingency fee, which means you won’t pay unless we win your case.

To get in touch, dial 956-664-7255 or toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.