Calculating Long Island Truck Accident Settlements

Calculating Long Island truck accident settlements can be complex. This is because either the jury or the parties negotiating the settlement must consider several factors when determining the value of a case. This can include a person’s age, the extent of their injuries and the effects the injuries will have, and whether they contributed to their own injuries. There are other factors that may be included as well. That is why it is important to consult an experienced attorney about truck accident settlements. A well-versed attorney can help you better understand what factors may be considered in your settlement.

How is a Settlement Calculated in Long Island?

The truck accident settlement is calculated based on several factors. One factor is the specific injuries a person suffered and whether they had to miss work following the accident. The county the case is being litigated in is another factor that is considered when settling a case. Some counties value an injury as worth more than other counties. That is why taking a case to trial can be risky. These are just a few of the factors that are considered when calculating a settlement. An attorney can help determine whether it may be better to go to trial or negotiate out of court.

The Role of the Jury in Determining the Amount

The jury plays a role in the way a settlement is calculated. In a jury decision, the judge usually breaks down the different damage awards for the jury. The judge might ask the jury how they want to award compensation for each area of damages. In a settlement, those breakdowns do not occur. It is one number, and all of those variables are taken into consideration when discussing that settlement number.

How the Negligence of the Injured Party Affects a Truck Accident Settlement

Negligence on the part of the injured person affects the settlement amount. New York is a comparative negligence state, meaning any negligence that a jury finds on the part of the plaintiff could be deducted from the total award given. For example, if the jury comes back with $100,000 and they find that the plaintiff was 50 percent negligent, that amount gets deducted so the reward is $50,000 not $100,000. That is generally taken into consideration when trying to settle a case. An attorney can fully examine the facts of the case to determine how a person’s negligence may affect a settlement amount.

An Attorney Can Help Calculate a Long Island Truck Accident Settlement

Long Island truck accident attorneys could help determine the value of a settlement. They can thoroughly investigate all the relevant variables, including injuries, comparative negligence, time out of work, the person’s age, and the length of treatment to help determine what a settlement may be worth. It is important to work with an attorney who has some level of experience when negotiating cases so they have a good idea of what a case might be worth based on what similar cases have settled for. To discuss what your case may be worth, call today for a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.