How Long Truck Accident Settlements Take in Tennessee
If you have recently been in a truck accident, you may be wondering how long you can expect it to take to receive your settlement check. With an ever-growing stack of medical bills weighing on your shoulders, you may wonder when you can expect to find some relief. Negotiating with insurance involves a lot of back-and-forth, and the complications only further prolong the process. In this article, our Davidson County truck accident attorneys discuss what factors impact the length of a truck accident settlement case to help you stay informed.
Complexity of Your Accident Case
It should come as no surprise that more complex truck accident cases take longer to settle. A truck accident case may become more complicated depending on the number of parties involved, making it harder to determine liability. The more complex the case, the more evidence will need to be evaluated, which can prolong the settlement process.
Severity of Your Injuries
If you have a severe break, then your recovery will likely be longer, requiring that you undergo multiple surgeries, months of physical therapy, and potentially other rehabilitative treatments. Our personal injury attorneys recommend that you do not settle until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is defined as the point at which you will no longer make medical improvements, despite continuing treatment. Once you have reached MMI, your personal injury attorney will be better able to assess your future costs to negotiate a fair settlement.
The Extent of Medical and Lost Wage Damages
More serious injuries will have a greater impact on your life. If you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may experience cognitive impairments, preventing you from working. Besides the thousands of dollars in lost wages, medical costs will also place a drain on your bank account. Medical bills can range from prescription costs, surgeries, treatments, physical therapy, and home modifications. The more severe the injury, the more likely you are to have future damage. In any situation, total damages must be considered before accepting a settlement offer.
The Extent of Pain and Suffering Damages
A truck accident case can take much more than just a toll on your bank account; it can also affect your emotional and mental health. The impact of a truck accident on your life can be quantified as non-economic damages, also known as pain and suffering damages. Non-economic damages are intangible losses that are a byproduct of an accident. In a truck accident case, these losses may include infliction of emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), loss of consortium, scarring and/or disfigurement, and permanent disability. Non-economic damages are limited to $750,000 in personal injury cases, with a $1,000,000 cap being applied in catastrophic injury cases.
The Insurance Carrier
A carrier that offers a fair settlement after your damages have been calculated can streamline the process. Some insurance companies are known for using stall tactics, leading to multiple offers and counteroffers and extending the settlement timeline. If the insurance company is repeatedly offering low settlements, you may find yourself rushing to take the best offer, even if it comes nowhere near covering your accident-related costs. At Raybin & Weissman, we believe you should only settle when the full extent of your damages is considered, never before. If the insurance provider refuses to offer you adequate compensation, then we may recommend that you pursue litigation.
Speak with Our Davidson County Truck Accident Lawyers Today
A truck accident can leave you with debilitating injuries, inhibiting you from living the life you deserve. At Raybin & Weissman, our Davidson County truck accident attorneys are committed to helping injured parties recover maximum compensation for their suffering. If you are interested in learning more about our services, contact us online or call (615) 256-6666 to schedule your free consultation.