Delivery trucks are incredibly prevalent on the roadways. Between ordering products off the internet, shipping industry-related equipment, and sending packages to friends and family, there are countless delivery trucks on the road at all times. Because of this, it is unsurprising that these vehicles are involved in a significant number of crashes each year.
Following an accident with a delivery truck, you will likely be faced with a variety of expenses. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, the damage they cause in a collision is often severe. At the Morelli Law Firm, our team of delivery truck accident lawyers in Wayne, NJ, can help you recover the compensation you need to get back on your feet after a crash.
Damages You Can Claim After a Delivery Truck Accident
Following an accident involving a delivery truck in Wayne, NJ, you will likely be eligible to pursue a wide range of damages. All compensatory damages are categorized as either economic or non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Any monetary losses you suffer after an accident are considered economic damages. These damages include money you are forced to spend after a crash and income you are unable to earn. You can recover economic damages both for losses you currently face and projected future losses.
Economic damages you can commonly claim after a delivery truck accident include:
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Medical expenses
- Future medical bills
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Any other losses you incur as a result of your accident fall into the far broader category of non-economic damages. Non-economic damages can be diverse. However, most tend to be irreplaceable and irreversible. Because these damages can have such a profound impact on your life, the money awarded for these losses tends to be substantial.
Non-economic damages you can commonly claim after a delivery truck accident include:
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
When you are pursuing compensation after an accident involving a delivery truck, an experienced lawyer can help you identify the damages you are eligible to pursue. In addition to the compensatory damages already mentioned, your case could potentially qualify for punitive damages.
Punitive damages are only awarded in extreme cases where the liable party acted in a manner that was deemed to have been criminally negligent or carried out with the express intent of causing harm.
Who Is Liable After a Delivery Truck Accident?
Establishing who is liable after an accident is essential. Unfortunately, it is also often easier said than done. The good news is that you don’t have to attempt to prove fault on your own. When you hire an experienced delivery truck accident attorney in Wayne, NJ, they will immediately get to work investigating your case with a focus on determining liability.
Wayne Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Be Wary of the Insurance Company
Insurance providers are not the friendly neighbors they play in television ads. In reality, these companies care far more about protecting their bottom line than they do about protecting accident victims. An insurance adjuster will employ a bag of tricks in an attempt to deny or devalue your accident claim.
Sadly, many people believe the image that the insurance companies have created for themselves. As a result, they follow the lead of the insurer, believing they have their best interests at heart. This allows the insurance adjuster to easily manipulate victims into positions where they end up with only a fraction of the value of their claim or potentially no money at all.
The best way to protect yourself against these predatory tactics is by hiring an experienced delivery truck accident attorney. By hiring an attorney, you will prevent the insurance company from contacting you directly. With the insurer forced to negotiate with your lawyer, they will be unable to use their standard tactics and will likely have to pay a fair amount for your claim.
Be Mindful of the Statute of Limitations When Filing a Delivery Truck Accident Lawsuit
If you are planning to file a lawsuit after a delivery truck accident, it is critical that you pay attention to the personal injury statute of limitations in your state. New Jersey gives accident victims two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Failure to file on time will likely result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation from the liable party.
However, you must understand that there are several exceptions to the general statute of limitations that could apply to your case. The specific details of your case will determine whether an exception applies. Depending on the particular circumstances, an exception could permit you to file a lawsuit long after the standard two-year statute of limitations has passed.
On the other hand, an exception could have the opposite effect. Rather than having two years to file a lawsuit, you could find that you only have a matter of months to submit your lawsuit to the court. The best way to ensure you meet all deadlines is by hiring an experienced delivery truck accident attorney in Wayne soon after your accident.
Reach Out to a Lawyer With a History of Winning
When you are pursuing compensation after a delivery truck accident, it is vital that you hire an attorney with a history of winning cases against big trucking companies. At the Morelli Law Firm, we have helped countless accident victims get the money they need and deserve after an accident.
Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.