A Fair Settlement Often Means More Than Money


For most of our clients, reaching a settlement isn’t just about money; our clients aren’t filing lawsuits merely to recoup compensable losses. Instead, they file suit to hold wrongdoers accountable and to prevent others from having to bury their loved ones or wake up every day to a life that is forever changed. We understand that our clients aren’t only seeking reparations – they seek necessary change.

In some cases, our settlements include specific safety requirements for a particular trucking company. For instance, we might require that a company pay to have a comprehensive safety audit performed on its fleet or equipment by an independent party. In the case of Noah Leake, the trucking company involved in the accident agreed to revise its policy requiring biannual checks of its drivers’ motor vehicle records. We have also required trucking companies to create new safety policies, and to utilize crash-prevention technology.

Obviously, settlement is not always the answer; some cases simply have to go to trial, and trials yield their own kind of accountability, as well as pressure for change and improvement. Regardless of the facts of your case, or the manner in which your legal matter may best be resolved, we are committed to ensure that full and fair compensation is paid, accountability is had, change is made, and future wrongdoing is deterred.

It’s important to pay attention to the language of a settlement in these cases. The terminology of settlement agreements can be confusing. Some include confidentiality or indemnification clauses or exclude factoring fees and other expenses. Our experienced team is well versed in these terms and will advocate for you.

Road safety awareness, more effective regulations, regulatory compliance and enforcement, and ensuring full and fair compensation for victims and their families are causes in which we are actively involved, and to which we are fully dedicated. Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe is a law firm where clients can expect more than a fair verdict or settlement; they can expect a team dedicated to helping them make a difference.