Legal Question in Personal Injury in Texas
An 18 wheeler hit a friend of mine almost four years ago. She was 32 years old and the co-owner of a cleaning service. She has 5 bulging disks, cronic pain and is on pain medication and depression medicine. She tried to keep the business going but couldn't continue to do the work. She was grossing between 50,000 and 60,000 a year. She has bank statements to prove the income. She was sitting in backed up traffic. The 18 wheeler driver didn't realize they were sitting still. He hit her going 50 miles an hour. He has a bad driving record and was not suppose to be driving and he was talking on his cell phone. The lawyers for the insurance company offered her 50,000 but after medical is taken out, filing fees, etc. her part will be $17,000 Is that an offer she should take or should she go to court and let a jury decide the amount she should get? Thank you for helping me so I can give her advice.
Vicki
3 Answers from Attorneys
Your friend needs an 18 Wheeler Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer.
Under the facts you have stated it seems that $50,000 is too low of a settlement offer.
If your friend doesn't currently have a lawyer, I would be happy to speak with her.
She can call my cell: 214-356-3615 (I take client calls from 8AM to 11PM 7 days a week). As always, my phone consultation is free and my clients don't pay me unless/until I recover for them.
Good Luck!
Yep, that's way low. But I am assuming suit has been filed? Otherwise there may be a problem with the statute of limitations. If she doesn't have a lawyer, she should talk to one right away. My number is (713) 681-1300 if you have any questions.
The settlement offer appears to be low; however, there are a lot of variables to determine in considering whether the settlement offer is appropriate. We have handled many 18-Wheeler accidents in the DFW metroplex and around the state. If your friend is not currently represented by an attorney, feel free to pass along my information. We offer a free consultation and if she wishes, I can put her in touch with come of my recent clients who were very satisfied with the results we were able to obtain.
Andrew Hawkins
Hawkins & Walker PC
701 W. Belknap
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
www.HawkinsWalker.com