After a serious truck accident, the insurance company may come knocking with a fast settlement offer, sometimes within days. On the surface, it might seem like a relief: quick cash, no legal hassle, and one less thing to worry about while you recover.
But be cautious. These early offers are often lowball settlements that only protect the insurance company’s bottom line, not your future.
So, what should you do if you’re offered a quick settlement after a truck accident in Nebraska? The short answer: don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with an experienced truck accident attorney.
Why Insurance Companies Push Quick Settlements
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. After a truck crash, especially one involving commercial carriers, they act fast: not to help you, but to close the case before the full picture of your injuries and damages emerges.
Here’s why they do it:
- Protecting Profits: Offering a small settlement early can save the company thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars down the line.
- Catching You Off Guard: You may still be in shock, hospitalized, or unsure about your legal rights. Insurance adjusters count on this vulnerability.
- Avoiding Future Claims: A signed settlement means you’ve waived your right to any future compensation, even if your condition worsens.
Accepting a settlement too soon could leave you paying out-of-pocket for medical care, lost wages, or long-term disability that wasn’t accounted for initially.
Why You Shouldn’t Accept Right Away
Truck accidents often lead to more severe injuries and complications than typical car crashes. The size and weight of a semi-truck can cause catastrophic damage, and many victims don’t realize the full impact of their injuries on their lives until weeks or even months later.
Before accepting any offer, it’s critical to assess:
- The Full Extent of Your Injuries: Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, internal damage, or spinal cord trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
- Long-Term Medical Care: Will you need physical therapy, follow-up surgeries, or long-term medications, and does the settlement include these costs?
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Time off work is one thing, but what if you can’t return to your previous job at all? Does the settlement account for the damage to your career and ability to earn a living in the future?
- Pain and Suffering: A quick settlement rarely accounts for emotional distress or the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Accepting a quick settlement may seem convenient, but it could leave you severely undercompensated.
According to the Insurance Research Council, injured victims who hired legal counsel received, on average, three times more compensation than those who didn’t. That’s because a lawyer can accurately assess your damages and push back against unfair offers.
The Risk of Leaving Money on the Table
Let’s say you accept a $25,000 settlement offer a week after your accident. It seems like a fair deal at the time. But later, your doctor discovers you have a herniated disc that requires surgery. Your medical bills climb past $60,000, and you’re unable to return to work for months.
Because you already signed the release, you can’t go back and ask for more, even though your actual damages are much higher than what you received.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Protects You
Truck accident cases tend to be more complicated than regular car accidents. Liability can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, parts maker, or those responsible for loading the cargo.
Add in federal safety regulations and commercial insurance policies, and these cases quickly become legally overwhelming. That’s why having an experienced legal team in your corner is essential.
Here’s what an experienced Nebraska truck accident lawyer can do for you:
- Review and Assess the Offer: They’ll let you know whether the settlement is fair and what’s missing.
- Negotiate on Your Behalf: Insurance adjusters take lawyers seriously. You’ll likely receive a higher offer just by having legal representation.
- Build a Strong Case: Your lawyer will gather medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to support your claim.
- Ensure Your Rights Are Protected: You don’t have to deal with pushy adjusters or confusing legal language; your attorney handles it all.
Don’t Rush — Get Legal Advice First
Press pause if you’ve been offered a quick settlement after a truck accident in Nebraska. Don’t let pressure from the insurance company rush you into a decision that could cost you long-term. The more serious your injuries, the more important it is to understand your rights and options.
Contact Friedman Law Offices today for a free consultation. Our experienced Nebraska truck accident lawyers can evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you deserve, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Your recovery is worth more than a quick check. Let us help you protect it.