Truck accident settlements work to hold negligent parties responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses. If you were harmed in such a crash, you can pursue compensation by filing a case with the liable insurer. Then, you can negotiate a settlement that covers the full extent of their damages.
An injury lawyer can review your case before you decide if legal action is appropriate.
How Much Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
Many factors can affect how much compensation you can recover. Some of which are:
- The nature of the truck accident
- How serious your injuries were
- How long and difficult your recovery will be
- Who may be at fault for the collision
- Your mobility
- Your working capacity
- Your mental and emotional states
Other aspects of your case can also point to the amount of compensation you are entitled to seek.
Types of Available Compensation in a Truck Accident Settlement
The types of potentially available compensation are based on the extent of damages and suffering. They can include:
- Pain and suffering: Truck accidents can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other forms of suffering.
- Lost wages: Sometimes, injuries or other repercussions from truck accidents change your work status. In some cases, victims can recover lost wages for unexpected changes in income.
- Past and future medical expenses: Injuries from a truck accident can lead to expensive emergency services, prescriptions, and ongoing healthcare.
- Property damage expenses: In many instances, truck accidents result in vehicle damage and property loss.
- Wrongful death damages: If you tragically lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to receive compensation for their funeral and burial arrangements and final medical expenses.
Common Types of Injuries Truck Accident Victims Suffer
Trucks are large vehicles that have the potential to create significant injuries and damage in accidents. Common injuries resulting from these crashes may include:
- Bruises, scrapes, abrasions, cuts, and burns
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones, fractures, and other musculoskeletal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Truck accident victims may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and phobias.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Case
If you are thinking about pursuing legal action following a truck accident, you must be able to prove that a third party is to blame. Because accidents happen quickly and have different causes, you may want to hire legal representation to assist you with proving liability.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Some ways in which a third party may have contributed to your accident include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving drowsy
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Improper lane change or merging
- Reckless driving
- Improperly functioning roadways or signage
- Poor weather
- Mechanical failures
Getting hurt in an accident can be overwhelming, and if you are unfamiliar with how truck accident settlements work, you could be left with more questions than answers.
Remember that you do have the option to hire a lawyer to help, and there can be many benefits to having them by your side.
You May Want to Hire a Lawyer to Help Manage Your Truck Accident Case
A truck accident lawyer can answer your questions and guide you through each step of the claims and settlement process. They can also:
- Collect different forms of evidence to establish fault and liability
- Order a copy of the incident report
- Talk to your medical team and review your medical records
- Negotiate a settlement that covers all of your losses
- Communicate with insurance companies and other involved parties on your behalf
- Litigate your case in a trial if needed
Some truck accident victims find having a general support system to be beneficial, too, especially during a stressful time.
The Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Lawsuits
One important aspect of the settlement process is the statute of limitations. For personal injury lawsuits, there is a limited amount of time for victims to take action following a truck accident or the onset of an injury.
It is imperative that you act swiftly to help ensure a fair shot at justice and compensation. Otherwise, the court may refuse to hear the case. As a result, you will be responsible for covering your truck accident-related costs.
Start Working on Your Truck Accident Case With Morelli Law Firm Today
If you are interested in learning more about how truck accident settlements work, the team at Morelli Law Firm is available to discuss your case.
Call us at (212) 751-9800 today for a free consultation and to find out if you qualify for compensation. Since we work on a contingency-fee basis, you won’t pay us a dime unless and until we settle or win your case.