Big rigs and other commercial trucks are larger, heavier, and more dangerous
than normal vehicles. This typically means that any collision between
a truck and a normal vehicle will cause severe property damage and injuries.
When a
truck accident was caused by the negligence of another individual or multiple parties,
injured parties deserve to be compensated. There are many factors that can
determine liability in a trucking accident. This determination can also impact how much you
receive from your trucking accident case.
Property Damage
In collisions of a big rig vs. a regular size vehicle, the big rig will
always win without fail. Unfortunately, most of this time, the other vehicle
winds up “totaled.” Typically, this means that the trucking
company’s insurance company should pay you compensation for the
fair market value of your car. Depending on the make, model, and year
of the vehicle, this amount could vary.
Total Cost of Medical Expenses
While calculating the cost of past or current medical bills may seem simple
enough, another matter is pursuing damages for future medical bills. The
attorney representing you will bring look at the evidence of your case
to determine how much compensation you deserve based on the extent of
your injuries, medical records, and doctors’ recommendations and
how much ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation you require. This
could mean that your award amount for medical expenses is much more than
the bills you currently owe.
Total Cost of Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
You may be put out of work after an accident while you are healing. If
you’re injured in a truck accident, there is a good chance that
this period of time may be much longer. You may even never be able to
fully return to work or the job that you had prior to the accident. Your
personal injury attorney will calculate how much work you missed related
to your injuries and present evidence to a judge or jury to also prove
future loss of income.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Even when you get compensated for lost wages and medical bills, it’s
hard to put a price on the pain and suffering and emotional trauma that
you have endured. These damages are known as “non-economic”
damages, and truck accident victims are absolutely entitled to receiving
these in their accident cases.
These awards are a bit harder to determine and will rely greatly on your
attorney’s ability to show just how your life was impacted because
of the accident. They may bring in statements from friends and family
members or show that you missed work for purposes related to your mental
wellbeing. The judge or jury will then decide on a fair amount of compensation
to award you.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Sadly, many crashes involving a big truck and a normal vehicle end with
the death of the motorist. In these cases, the victim’s immediate
family, such as a parent, child, or spouse, can pursue compensation for
the loss of their loved one. In Texas wrongful death suits, compensation
is usually given out to each family member who was impacted by the death.
Your best bet at
maximizing compensation is to seek a seasoned and aggressive trucking accident
attorney. The legal advocates at The Law Offices of Tyler & Peery have over
100 years of experience representing victims and their families through
some of the most trying times of their lives. We will work hard to determine
negligent parties and fight for your rights to compensation both in and
out of court.
Contact our truck accident attorneys at 210-340-0900 to schedule a
free consultation.