The roadways are full of commercial trucks. These vehicles play a vital role in the global economy, transporting various goods and resources. Unfortunately, these necessary trucks pose a serious risk to others on the road. The massive size and weight of these vehicles often lead to severe injuries when they are involved in a collision.
Following an accident caused by an 18-wheeler truck, the expenses you face will likely begin adding up. Covering these costs can be incredibly challenging without recovering damages from the liable party. At the Morelli Law Firm, we can help you get the money you need to move forward after an 18-wheeler accident.
Establishing Liability for an 18-Wheeler Accident
You must first determine liability to pursue compensation for the losses you suffered in an 18-wheeler accident. The best way to simplify the process is by hiring an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA. Your lawyer will know precisely what to look for to prove fault.
Be Wary When Dealing with Insurance Providers
Rather than simply doing the job they are supposed to do and covering the costs incurred by accident victims, insurance companies prefer to spend their money deceiving those who depend on their services.
These companies spend a fortune on advertisements designed to convince people they are friendly neighbors eager to lend a helping hand. However, these ads aim to trick potential claimants into believing they can trust the insurer, making it easier for the insurer to manipulate them into a situation where they can deny or devalue their claim.
To protect yourself against these predatory practices, the best thing you can do is hire an experienced attorney. After hiring a lawyer, the insurance company will no longer be able to contact you directly. Forcing the insurer to work with your attorney will block them from attempting to use their usual tricks to avoid paying the money they owe.
Philadelphia 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
File Your 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawsuit on Time
If you are planning on filing a lawsuit to recover compensation after an 18-wheeler accident, you need to ensure that you are aware of the statute of limitations. Failing to file your lawsuit on time will likely result in losing your ability to pursue damages. In Pennsylvania, accident victims are permitted two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit.
However, exceptions to the statute of limitations exist. Depending on the details of your accident, an exception could allow you to sue even if the standard two-year deadline has long passed. On the other hand, an exception could lessen the amount of time you have to sue the at-fault party.
The best thing you can do to protect your right to pursue fair compensation after an 18-wheeler accident is to hire a Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident lawyer shortly after your collision. An experienced attorney will be able to identify if any special conditions apply to your case and ensure that your lawsuit gets filed on time.
Damages You Can Seek After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Philadelphia
If you suffered a serious injury after a car accident with an 18-wheeler in Philadelphia, PA, there are many different types of damages you are eligible to pursue. Every accident is different. Because of that, the damages you are eligible to claim vary from one case to another. All compensatory damages are split between economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Losses you suffer in an accident that cost you financially are considered economic damages. You can recover compensation for economic damages to cover losses in the form of money you were forced to spend and income you were prevented from earning after an accident. This compensation can cover both losses you currently face and projected future losses.
Economic damages that can commonly be recovered following an 18-wheeler accident include:
- Medical costs
- Future medical bills
- Lost income
- Lowered earning ability
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Any other losses you suffer in an 18-wheeler accident are labeled as non-economic damages. These losses tend to affect victims much more deeply than the financial losses of economic damages. Because non-economic damages are often irreversible and irreplaceable, the compensation awarded for these losses tends to be significant.
Non-economic damages that can commonly be recovered following an 18-wheeler accident include:
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Lowered quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
Before you can accurately calculate the full value of your claim, you must first determine what damages apply to your case. An experienced attorney can help you identify the specific damages you are eligible to pursue.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the actions of the liable party were particularly egregious. For these damages to apply, the at-fault party must have acted in a manner determined to have been criminally negligent or with the express intention of causing harm.
Get a Free Consultation from an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Today
After suffering an injury, it is essential that you hire an attorney with a history of winning cases similar to yours. At the Morelli Law Firm, our Philadelphia 18-wheeler accident attorneys have helped countless accident victims like you recover the money they need after a collision.
Contact us today through our online contact form or by giving us a call and schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.