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Every year, approximately 1.7 million people are injured in truck accidents that often result in death or severe injury. Often the cause of these crashes is human error, such as a driver's failure to yield the right of way. Still, sometimes semi-truck accidents have been caused by an inadequately secured load.
When one person is injured through no fault of their own and is unable to work, they are likely entitled to compensation for lost wages. However, remember those truck accidents are inherently dangerous and may not be able to support you with a full monetary settlement. It is why it's crucial to have a lawyer on your side during this difficult time.
It's been estimated that the other driver causes 95 percent of accidents involving a truck and a passenger vehicle. In addition, accidents involving trucks, while they only make up about 1 percent of vehicles on the road, cause nearly 20 percent of all vehicle fatalities. However, many semis today come equipped with driver-assist technology that automatically brakes for slower-moving cars.
How you were injured will play a significant role in determining the type and amount of damages you are entitled to. Here are the damages one should expect.
The most apparent damage claimed is the loss of future earnings. Other damages you can claim are:
Additionally, you may be entitled to medical bills for hospitalization and prescriptions for medications or brace treatments needed due to your injury. When you have one of our lawyers start a semi-truck accident lawsuit for you or a loved one, they will discuss all your options. Reach out today.
Under the collateral source rule, you cannot recover twice for the same expenses. So if your employer's health insurance is covering your medical bills, you cannot also claim them as damages.
Pain and suffering are types of damage you can claim after a severe accident. It is important not to let this damage go without consideration because the pain you endured after your accident will be with you for the rest of your life.
You may be entitled to lost wages from your employer if you cannot work after your accident. It will affect your ability to support yourself and any children you have.
If you cannot work, you may be entitled to compensation for permanent disability, which gets determined by an evaluation of your physical condition after the accident. Similarly, you may also be entitled to compensation for a total disability that a vocational specialist can provide after thoroughly evaluating your ability to work at any job.
You may be able to recover for the loss of damaged personal property as a result of your accident. It could include your vehicle if driving during the crash or other damaged items. However, remember that while you are entitled to compensation for lost property, this is different from how much you can expect to receive.
If the accident caused your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, then you may be able to recover from this side effect as well. PTSD is a condition that causes anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares after you have experienced something traumatic or violent.
The most severe injuries can result in punitive damages designed to punish the at-fault party. Often, this damage gets awarded after a jury has determined that the defendant's act was malicious and followed a pattern of negligence.
The statute of limitations for your case began when the injury occurred, not when you realized you were injured. So even if you did not visit a doctor and go through medical reports until after several years, your semi truck accident lawsuit would still be valid.
While truck accidents can often result in devastating damages, several factors need to be considered when assessing the viability of your case. First, it's essential to evaluate the credibility of witnesses and determine whether or not you were on the road when it went down.
The case will also depend on whether or not the other driver was negligent. You have a strong compensation case if you did nothing wrong and were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, it can be demonstrated that you were speeding or driving recklessly during the accident. In that case, your case may need to be stronger.
Our truck accident lawyer works on a contingency fee schedule. A contingency fee means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. We will incur all costs upfront. We also have contingency schedules with our:
While an attorney may be able to provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your case, you must also be prepared to present all evidence yourself. A lawyer should never do this for you, and you must be able to communicate with your attorney on all matters to maintain the integrity of the case.
The following is a step-by-step procedure for filing a semi-truck accident claim.
It would help if you documented your injuries and any after-effects from the accident. One of the most effective ways to do this is to record a video of yourself at various stages after the accident. Make sure your symptoms are visible and be as descriptive as possible. You can also take photos or record a video of your injuries to share them with an attorney.
If injured in a truck accident, it's essential to report the incident to the police. You can do this by making a statement or visiting with an officer.
Suppose you have suffered injuries due to the accident. In that case, you should immediately visit your physician and request that they send all records of your injury via certified mail. It is so that you can ensure that your insurance policy or other sources cover all medical expenses.
Another critical step in the process is to contact an attorney to help you build a case against the at-fault party so that you can secure all of your rights under the law.
On the surface, a semi-truck accident sounds like a simple accident involving two vehicles traveling on the same road. But this can quickly become complicated when you get into an automobile accident with a semi-truck due to its size, weight, and design.
The situation can be even more confusing if you are involved in what is known as a head-on collision with a semi. In this instance, you will likely suffer injuries attributed to another party, not your vehicle.
If injured in a semi-truck or head-on collision, you must look for the right expert to assist with your case. A reasonable attorney can deal with the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement. Here are how to find the right attorney for the patient.
After much research, you may find that the attorney you are considering hiring is not reasonable. You do not want to hire an inexperienced attorney or someone involved in similar cases. A thorough background check can help you prove whether or not an attorney is right for your particular case.
You want to hire someone other than an attorney who has won only a few cases and lost more; instead, look for a lawyer who has tried similar cases and won them. If you are still looking for a lawyer's background, ask to talk with people they have worked with in the past to see if they are any good.
It is not enough that an attorney knows how to do their job; you also need someone you can trust. If you can put your faith in the attorney, it may be best to find a different lawyer.
On the day of the accident, many people would like to remember everything that happened for the first time without thinking about their memories and feelings. However, this is not possible because, in an auto accident, there are things that can quickly become painful and difficult to recall.
Before your consultation, sit down with the attorney and compile a list of questions you want to know before making any decisions. It will help you decide whether or not the attorney is suitable for the job and whether or not they are someone you want to hire.
The consultation is when you get a chance to personally meet with an attorney, discuss details of your case and ask your personal questions. It is the most crucial step of your case because it is when you will be able to decide if you want to work with an attorney.
Semi-truck accidents can confuse those looking to file a claim. If injured in a semi-truck accident, you must seek the help of an experienced attorney.
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