Maison Law helps big rig accident victims in California through the legal process. We take pride in our approach and can answer any question you might have after one of these accidents. One of the big questions that many of our clients have revolves around how much they get from a settlement–or how much we take. We tailor our approach to your particular case, so we take your needs and responsibilities into account when you decide to work with us. If you have any questions, contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much Do Our Lawyers Take From a Big Rig Accident Settlement?
For big rig accidents, Maison Law works on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you pay nothing upfront and we take our fee from whatever result you get–either in a settlement or jury verdict. Typically, our fee is a percentage of the settlement, usually between 33% and 40%, depending on the case. This setup works well for several reasons:
- No payment upfront – You don’t pay any legal fees yourself, which can ease your financial stress after an accident.
- Motivation – Since our payment depends on your settlement, we work hard to get you the best outcome.
- Low risk – If your case doesn’t succeed, you usually don’t owe any legal fees, reducing your financial risk.
- Shared goals – We’re in this together. The more you win, the more we all benefit, so we’re committed to maximizing your settlement.
Obviously, every big rig accident claim is different. But we truly feel that this approach to a fee agreement works for all of our clients. At the same time, understanding how the claims process works and what you can do to strengthen your potential settlement is just as important.
What Makes Up a Settlement in a Big Rig Accident?
One thing that stays the same across every big rig accident claim is what comprises your settlement. Whether you decide to file an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit in court, you’re making a claim for certain “damages” from whoever was responsible for the accident itself. Typically, this involves the following:
- Medical costs – This includes doctor visits, surgeries, medications, therapy, and any ongoing care you need because of the accident.
- Property damage – If your vehicle or belongings were damaged, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacements.
- Lost income – If the accident kept you from working, you can claim the income you missed. If you’re permanently injured and can’t work, you can also claim future earnings you’ve lost.
- Emotional distress – This covers mental health impacts like anxiety, depression, or PTSD that resulted from the accident.
- Pain and suffering – This covers financial support for the physical and mental pain you’ve gone through beyond just medical bills.
- Reduced quality of life – If the accident impacts your ability to enjoy life or harms your relationships, this covers costs relating to that.
- Wrongful death expenses – If a loved one died in the accident, this can help cover funeral costs and the financial support they would have provided.
- Punitive damages – In cases where the other party was extremely reckless or intentional in causing the accident, extra damages might be awarded to punish them and prevent it from happening again.
Keep in mind that in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to get any damages, no matter how strong your case is.
How Can You Maximize Your Settlement After a Big Rig Accident?
Any big rig accident carries the likelihood of being overwhelming for you, mostly because the damage can be severe. But just having legal options doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a good result–you need to take certain steps to strengthen your claim and maximize your settlement. Here’s how:
- Call 911 immediately – Getting medical help right away is crucial. Paramedics can treat your injuries, and the police will document the scene, which creates important evidence for your claim.
- Gather evidence at the accident site – Take photos, note key details like the date, time, and weather, and get the truck driver’s contact and insurance info. The more evidence and information you have, the stronger your case will be.
- Keep your important documents – Save medical bills, repair estimates, and other key paperwork. This helps prove the full extent of your losses when negotiating your settlement.
- Watch what you say – Stick to the facts when talking to police or insurance companies. Avoid admitting fault, as insurance companies may use your words to lower your payout.
Taking these steps will help you build a stronger case, which in turn increases your chances of securing a higher settlement. And remember, our team will be there to guide your claim from start to finish.
Contact Maison Law After a Big Rig Accident in California
Any big rig accident in California can be overwhelming, and while it’s easy to see how serious these accidents can be, you never expect to be involved in one. If you or your family are facing this situation, you might wonder whether to hire a lawyer. The answer is likely yes. Even though a big rig accident may be legally similar to other accidents, it’s usually much more complex.
Having Maison Law’s experienced team can make sure you and your family get the settlement you need by:
- Investigating the accident and who’s at fault
- Helping you gather medical records and other important evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement offer
- Making the legal process easier and less stressful
We understand how stressful a big rig accident can be and will tailor our approach to your specific needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
