Trucking Company Settlement Versus Lawsuit After an 18-Wheeler Accident in San Antonio, TX

Trucking is a vital part of the economy of San Antonio, Texas, with $3.1 trillion in freight being moved within the state in 2022 alone. If you are the victim of an accident caused by one of these trucks, however, you likely find yourself in need of a piece of that profit to aid in your recovery.

The path to the compensation you deserve can be confusing and overwhelming, particularly if you have already been offered a settlement by the trucking company responsible for your crash. Whether or not to take the deal you have been offered can depend on a multitude of factors. With the help of the San Antonio truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw, however, you can rest assured that all of your options will be explored to ensure that you are compensated to the maximum degree you are entitled.

While it may be tempting to accept the first San Antonio 18-wheeler accident settlement you are offered, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of doing so before making any decisions. A settlement may be a practical option for some victims for the following reasons:

• Settlements are typically resolved faster than lawsuits
• Legal fees associated with settlements are generally lower
• The settlement process can be less stressful than a lawsuit
• Settlements provide a greater degree of privacy as they are usually confidential

Accepting a settlement, particularly the first one you are offered, is not without its drawbacks. Some downsides to consider are:

• Settlements may result in undercompensation, especially if you incur additional costs after making the deal, such as complications in your rehabilitation
• Settlements usually come with no admission of trucking company liability
• Accepting a settlement is final and forfeits your right to pursue legal action if new evidence arises

Whether or not you choose to accept a settlement, it is strongly advised that you involve a lawyer in the process. They can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you are not agreeing to a lowball deal.

Pursuing a lawsuit following your commercial truck accident in San Antonio, Texas can yield many benefits at the cost of being a riskier, more time-consuming process than accepting a settlement. For victims seeking to maximize their compensation, a lawsuit is generally the ideal route.

One benefit of pursuing a lawsuit is access to evidence through the discovery process. This means that the trucking company will be forced to turn over critical evidence, which may reveal further negligence than you initially realized.

With all the evidence available to you, most San Antonio TX 18 wheeler accident attorneys can pursue more lucrative compensation than the settlement you were offered. Not only can they pursue economic damages in the form of reimbursement for expenses associated with your accident, they can pursue noneconomic damages for things like emotional distress and permanent disfigurement.

Winning a lawsuit will also force trucking companies to take accountability for your accident. This can force them to take action to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Whether you choose to accept a settlement or pursue a lawsuit, the assistance of an experienced Central Texas accident attorney will be invaluable. They can negotiate the best possible settlement and provide sound advice on whether suing would be a better option.

In addition to representing you in the courtroom, your lawyer can gather evidence on your behalf, handle correspondence with insurance adjusters, conduct a private investigation, and provide emotional support as you navigate the process.

The truck accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw have spent decades winning lucrative compensation for Texans like you. To hear from some of them, just check out our client reviews.

We offer a complimentary consultation to all potential clients, allowing you to get started risk-free. Additionally, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we will not get paid anything until we win your case. Our English- and Spanish-speaking staff is available 24/7 at 800-862-1260. Call now to begin your path to justice.

For more information:

• Tripnet
• TX Courts