Truck accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence on America’s roads. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in truck accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 4,000 fatalities in truck accidents in 2020. That’s more than ten deaths each day.
Many factors can contribute to a truck accident. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include driver error, speeding, and driving while intoxicated. However, one of the leading causes of truck accidents is negligence on the part of the trucking company.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the trucking company. You will need to prove that the company was negligent in receiving payment. Some examples of negligence on the part of a trucking company include failing to properly inspect or maintain their vehicles, hiring unqualified drivers, and overloading trucks.
If you get injured in a truck accident, you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a case against the trucking company. Here are a few things that the company owes you for the accident.
Medical Compensation
Getting involved in a truck accident is a traumatic experience. You may suffer from serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, or brain injuries. These injuries can have a lasting impact on your life and may require extensive and expensive medical treatment, and the trucking company should be held responsible for your medical bills. If you have health insurance, your insurer may also have a right to reimbursement from the trucking company.
However, negotiations must wait until you get the necessary medical attention. Your priority after a truck accident should be to get the treatment you need. Once you have received treatment, your lawyer can start negotiating with the trucking company or insurance company to reimburse your medical bills. It will be necessary to take note of the associated costs in a trucking accident in that case.
Lost Wages
In addition to medical expenses, you may also lose wages if you cannot work because of your injuries. The trucking company should be held responsible for your lost wages. To receive compensation for lost wages, you will need to provide documentation of your missed work, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer.
Your lawyer can negotiate with the trucking company to reimburse your lost wages. However, it’s important to note that you may not be able to receive lost wages if you can return to work but at a lower salary.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, you may also get entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. This compensation is a type of non-economic damage that can be difficult to quantify. However, your lawyer will work with you to determine the value of your pain and suffering.
To receive compensation for pain and suffering, you must prove that the accident caused you physical and emotional distress. Some examples of physical distress include chronic pain, disfigurement, or disability. Examples of emotional distress include anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Your lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your claim for pain and suffering. This list may include medical records, testimony from your family and friends, or a statement from you about how the accident has affected your life.
Lawsuit Settlements
If you got injured in a truck accident, you might be able to receive compensation through a lawsuit settlement. A settlement is an agreement between you and the trucking company to resolve your case outside of court.
Settlements can provide many benefits. First, payments allow you to avoid the time and expense of a trial. Second, costs will enable you to receive more money than you would get if you won in court. Finally, settlements provide certainty – you know exactly how much money you will receive and when you will receive it.
Your lawyer will negotiate with the trucking company or insurance company to settle on your behalf. The negotiations will focus on the amount of money you will receive and the settlement terms.
Once a settlement agreement is reached, you and the trucking company will sign it. The settlement terms are binding, meaning you cannot go back and ask for more money later.
It’s important to note that not all cases settle. You may have to go to trial if your case does not pay. If that is the case, you might have to prepare to defend yourself against a large corporation, making it beneficial to hire an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer. The professional can help you investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents are unpleasant events that can cause injuries, property damage, and even death. You must know your legal rights and options if you have been involved in a truck accident. You may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today.