The size, weight, and height discrepancy between a large truck and a passenger vehicle might lead to injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. Many of the following injuries are associated with trucking accidents:
Head and neck injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Back and spine injuries such as:
- Chronic back pain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Varying degrees of paralysis
Bone breaks such as:
- Broken ribs
- Broken limbs
- Broken collar bones
Additional injuries that may occur in trucking accidents include severe burns, internal bleeding, muscle sprains and strains, and limb amputations.
Trucking accidents can also cause fatal injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the smaller vehicle drivers and passengers are at increased risk of fatalities in a large-truck-versus-car collision.
If you were injured or if your loved one was fatally injured in a trucking accident, a lawyer in your area might be able to help you prepare and file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
The Cost of Treating Your Trucking Accident Injuries
The cost of treating your trucking accident injuries can be extensive and long-lasting. If you and your legal team are able to prove negligence and assign liability to the at-fault party, you might be able to collect compensation for the costs of treating your injuries. These costs may include:
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital admissions
- Required medication
- Assistive medical devices
- Required medical treatments
- Necessary rehabilitations
- In-home medical care
Your lawyer might be able to assist you in assessing your injuries, calculating their costs, and assigning an accurate value to your personal injury lawsuit.
Recoverable Damages Related to Your Injuries
Medical bills are not the only types of damages that you may be able to recover compensation for. If your trucking accident injuries prevent you from returning to work for any length of time, the at-fault party might be compelled to compensate you for your loss of income as well.
You might also be eligible to recover compensation for non-economic damages related to the ways your injuries impact your life. These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
If your loved one lost their life in a trucking accident, a different set of damages might be available to you and your family in a wrongful death case.
On your own, assessing the financial value of your non-medical expenses can be complex and challenging. When you are represented by a lawyer, they might be able to help you compile the necessary proof of the accident’s financial impact.
Building a Solid Case File of Supporting Documents
Your legal team may request a plethora of documents and evidence to help establish the cause of your trucking accident and the resulting financial expenses and losses. To prove the cause of your trucking accident, your lawyer may request your:
- Crash report
- Witness statements
- Accident photos
- Video footage
To prove the cost of your injuries, your lawyer may request your:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation bills
- Therapy bills
In addition to the information listed above, your lawyer may request your tax records, business records, check stubs, and other proof of your loss of income.
Hiring a Trucking Accident Lawyer May Have Benefits
When you hire a lawyer to help you fight for compensation after a trucking accident, they may be able to take the following actions on your behalf:
- Communicating with all parties for you
- Reading and reviewing your crash report and medical records
- Locating and interviewing accident witnesses
- Obtaining maintenance records for the at-fault truck
- Building a solid evidence file of supportive documents
- Calculating the financial impact of the accident
- Assigning a financial value to your potential recovery
- Filing your insurance claim and/or lawsuit
With regular updates on your case and responsive communication, your lawyer may help you measure the pros and cons of each settlement offer you receive. Your lawyer may also represent you on trial if a settlement agreement cannot be reached.
Morelli Law Firm May Be Able to Help You
A collision with a large truck might leave you with serious injuries that require substantial recovery times. While your health care team helps you determine what injuries are associated with your trucking accident, Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you fight for compensation.
You do not have to fight for your financial recovery alone. Contact the client support team at Morelli Law Firm by calling (212) 751-9800. We offer free case reviews to truck accident victims and may be able to offer you support and guidance at this difficult time.