How Much Will You Get Paid if an 18 Wheeler Hit You in West Virginia?
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you probably have a lot of people telling you that you may be able to seek compensation. And they’re right, but what most won’t tell you is that the amount of compensation you receive can vary widely.
The reality is that settlements in the millions or even high six figures often involve severe injuries or fatalities. A truck accident settlement aims to compensate you for the actual damages you suffered, along with your pain and suffering. So the size of your potential settlement will depend on the extent of these factors and the experience of your attorney.
At Miley Legal, our experienced truck accident attorneys have a proven track record of success, having won substantial settlements for our clients. If you or a loved one has been hit by an 18-wheeler, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Miley Legal today for a free consultation, and let us fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Factors That Affect Your Truck Accident Settlement Amount
The amount of your settlement in a truck accident case can vary widely based on several key factors:
Severity and Type of Injuries
The more severe your injuries, the higher your potential settlement. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations generally lead to the largest payouts. However, even seemingly minor injuries can result in significant settlements if they have long-term consequences or require extensive treatment.
Extent of Fault and Liability
West Virginia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, meaning your settlement can be reduced if you’re found partly to blame for the crash. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything. The stronger the evidence that the trucker or trucking company was entirely responsible, the better your chances of a full settlement.
Long-Term Consequences of Injuries
If your injuries will require ongoing medical care, impact your ability to work and earn a living, or permanently diminish your quality of life, your settlement should account for these future damages. Proving these long-term effects often requires testimony from medical and economic experts.
Available Insurance Coverage
Truck accident settlements are typically paid by insurance companies, so the available policy limits can affect your recovery. Most commercial trucks carry large liability policies, but if your damages exceed the coverage, you may need to look to other sources like umbrella policies or the trucking company’s assets.
Strength of Legal Representation
Experienced truck accident attorneys know how to build strong cases, prove liability and damages, and negotiate effectively with insurers. They can often achieve significantly higher settlements than you could on your own. The reputation and track record of your legal team can play a big role in how the insurance company approaches settlement talks.
Fighting Back Against Insurance Companies
When it comes to negotiating a settlement, insurance companies often try to exploit crash victims. They have teams of lawyers ready to lowball claims and question every medical treatment. Their goal is to minimize payouts, not support your recovery.
You need a law firm that will stand up to these tactics and fight for your fair compensation. The right attorneys understand the games insurers play and how to counter them. They’ll fend off allegations of fault while building a strong negligence case against the trucking company.
Our seasoned truck accident lawyers at Miley Legal can steer your case toward justice by exposing the insurance company’s dishonest strategies. We can shift the advantage in your favor, ensuring you don’t get shortchanged. Don’t let the trucking companies keep their profits while you struggle with bills – get strong legal advocates on your side.
Maximizing Your Truck Accident Injury Settlement
To give yourself the best chance at a full and fair settlement, take these steps:
- Get medical treatment right away. Prompt care establishes a clear record of your injuries and shows you’re taking them seriously.
- Follow all treatment instructions. Don’t give the insurer any reason to argue that you made your injuries worse by neglecting your health.
- Document everything. Keep detailed notes and records of the crash, your injuries, medical appointments, time off work, and other losses.
- Don’t rush to accept a settlement. Wait until you have a clear picture of your injuries and damages before entertaining any offers. The first offer is rarely the best.
- Watch what you say to insurers. Limit your communication and stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault, downplay your injuries, or say anything they could use against you.
- Consult an experienced attorney. A skilled truck accident lawyer can assess what your case is really worth and fight for every dollar. Let them handle the negotiations and advise you on when to settle.
At Miley Legal, we have a long track record of securing top-dollar settlements for truck crash victims. We know the factors that matter most and how to leverage them for maximum results. If you’ve been hurt in a truck wreck, give us a call to learn how we can help get you the full compensation you deserve.
Why It Pays Having Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Your Corner
When you’re dealing with a serious truck accident, you need a law firm that has:
- Deep knowledge of complex trucking regulations and compliance
- Proven success in going up against national freight companies
- The tenacity to dig for every piece of evidence to establish clear liability
- Access to trusted medical experts who can withstand intense scrutiny
At Miley Legal, we’ve been handling major truck accident cases for years. We know what it takes to win against the big trucking companies and their insurers.
Our approach combines client-centric service with the technical legal skills to build rock-solid claims. We leave no stone unturned in our investigations, making sure we have the evidence to back up our demands for maximum compensation.
The insurance companies will do everything they can to pay you as little as possible. We know how to break through the barriers they put up and fight for every dollar you deserve.