Truck Accident Compensation
If you're the victim of a truck crash you could receive a call from the insurance provider of the driver or company's provider. It is recommended to not talk to those individuals unless you have an attorney present.
You must prove that the truck driver or the company breached their duty to care, and that this breach caused your accident. You may seek damages for:
Medical expenses
The injuries sustained in a truck accident often require extensive medical care. This could result in costly hospital bills as well as prescription drug costs. Many victims struggle to cover these costs and end up in debt long after the incident occurs. Fortunately, injured victims of crashes are able to claim a variety of damages, including medical expenses.
Medical expenses cover all out of budget expenses that result from an injury. They could include X-rays MRIs and CT scans and appointments with a doctor or physical therapy sessions. Out-of-pocket expenses can also include the cost of things like wheelchairs and crutches. It is crucial to record all medical expenses and keep receipts. An experienced attorney can identify what expenses are admissible for compensation, and can help you to file a claim for these losses.
Generally speaking, the at-fault truck driver or their insurance policy must be able to cover medical expenses. However, they'll only do this if your case settles or a juror awards you compensation after the trial. It could take years, and, in the meantime you'll need to pay for medical expenses out of pocket.
Insurance companies are in the business of reducing costs and will employ every technique to cut their payouts. Their representatives are often welcoming and helpful, but any comments you make to them can be used against you later. Always consult an experienced lawyer before speaking with any representatives from insurance companies.
Your lawyer can help navigate the claims process and fight for your right to full compensation. In certain cases it is possible to engage a medical professional or other experts to prove the extent of your injuries and how they've affected your life.
Pain and suffering
Getting hit by a semi-truck could cause serious injuries. These injuries can be life-altering and can cause lasting pain and suffering.
Because truck accidents are so destructive, they can be more emotionally traumatic than crashes that involve smaller vehicles. They can also result in greater consequences for the victim and their family members, including loss of income. If you've suffered serious injuries due to an accident involving a truck, you may be able to seek damages to pay for the physical pain and suffering you endured.
The amount you may be entitled to for this portion of your claim will vary. This is because it can be difficult to determine the exact amount of the extent of your suffering and pain. There are guidelines that a judge or jury may use to determine the value of your injury. These can include medical records of your injuries, evidence of the mental health professionals' treatment diaries, diaries or other types of documentation regarding your day-to-day activities, as well as statements from relatives or friends on how your injury has affected them.
A spinal cord injury or a broken back can result in severe pain and mobility loss. These types of injuries can be life-threatening and require surgical repair and ongoing treatment. They can also trigger physical and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or fear, anger, shock and insomnia. They can also trigger post-traumatic disorders (PTSD).
If the at-fault party's negligence led to the accident, they have to be held accountable for the damage you've incurred. This is the case even if the at-fault party was not driving at the time the accident occurred. For example that the person was intoxicated or if they violated traffic or trucking laws. lauderhill truck accident attorney could also be held accountable for punitive damages.
Loss of wages
If your injuries keep you from working for an extended period, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. The amount of compensation you receive is according to the amount you could have earned had you not been absent from work due to your injuries from accidents. It doesn't matter if you employed sick days or vacation time. You must provide proof to the insurance adjuster of your income and loss. This proof can be obtained by submitting a written document from your physician that specifies your medical condition and how much work you must skip, as well as prior pay stubs and W-2s, and tax returns.
It is important to know that you may also be able to claim damages for loss of enjoyment and quality of life. This is compensation in the event of injuries that prevent you from engaging in your favorite hobbies or pastimes like traveling. You may also be eligible to recover future income lost when your injuries hinder you from returning to a similar kind of job in the future.
Non-economic damages can be as significant as financial losses and lost wages. Examples include pain and discomfort in the form of scarring or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment in life. These kinds of damages can be significant for victims who have suffered serious injuries as a result of a crash involving a truck, especially when the injuries involve internal organs. In extreme circumstances the possibility of punitive damages is available. These are designed to penalize the person who is at fault and stop them from engaging in similar reckless behavior in the future. These kinds of damages are extremely rare but they may be awarded in the event that the truck driver was particularly reckless or negligent.
Punitive damages
If your injuries stop you from working in the same capacity, then you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of wages. Many victims of truck accidents are worried about this, because they might not be able to cover their expenses without the income that they earned from their job. Additionally, medical bills can add quickly. To ensure you receive the highest amount of compensation for your losses, you need an experienced truck accident attorney.
You may be entitled punitive damage in addition to compensatory damages. This isn't an easy claim. The law on punitive damages is extremely strict. To receive this type of monetary award, a plaintiff must prove that the trucking company or its driver committed fraud or malice, or committed a willful conduct.
In general juries make punitive damages as an attempt to penalize wrongdoers and send a message that this type of conduct will not be tolerated. For instance in the event that a jury decides that the driver of the truck was operating their vehicle under the influence of intoxicants or speeding, the goal is that the large damages awarded will deter others from engaging in this type of shady conduct in the future.
It is vital to note that you must prove the negligence was not an isolated incident or even an ongoing pattern of conduct or indifference. Many truck accident lawyers are hesitant to file a punitive damages claim based solely on boilerplate accusations of reckless behavior. In a recent case for instance, the court dismissed the punitive damages claim made against Garkusha, who was driving a truck owned by Quality Logistics at the time of his crash with the Plaintiff, based on the fact that the Plaintiff failed to present any evidence that Garkusha's behavior prior to and during the accident showed a pattern or reckless indifference to the consequences.
Damages for property damage
Due to their size and weight semi-trucks, commercial trucks and other large vehicles can cause more severe injuries when they collide with smaller vehicles. In the end, victims of semi-truck accidents could suffer more severe injuries and incur higher medical expenses than other victims of accidents.
Keep meticulous records of all expenses and losses resulting from your accident. This will help maximize the value of any claim. For instance, if you were injured in a crash involving a truck and require multiple surgeries, outpatient procedures, physical therapy, and prescription medications, record every expense. Also in the event that your injuries have caused you to miss work, write down your lost wages and future earnings potential.
Documenting all property damage is important. If your vehicle is destroyed completely or requires major repairs, note the current value of the vehicle along with any other personal items that were damaged or destroyed in the accident. This includes clothing, electronics furniture, furniture, as well as other valuables. It is also important to keep track of any costs you pay for renting a car or for travel to appointments with a doctor.
Insurance companies typically contact victims of accidents immediately following a crash to offer settlements prior to the victim has the chance to consult with an attorney. While these settlements may appear tempting, they generally do not compensate victims for all their expenses related to accidents. A knowledgeable attorney can help you in avoiding a small settlement and ensure that the responsible party is compensated for the entire amount of your case.
Your attorney will gather and review all documentation prior to giving them to the insurance company of the responsible party as part of your claim. They will also negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive damages that reflect the true worth of your losses.
