What Types of Damages Can You Recover in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Compared to accidents involving passenger vehicles, truck accidents tend to be catastrophic. Factors such as the size and weight of the truck can cause permanent, life-altering injuries. Those who survive these wrecks have the right to seek damages against the responsible parties. But recovering those truck accident damages is no easy task and should only be done with the assistance of skilled legal counsel. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, you can call the Charleston personal injury attorneys of Rosen Hagood to discuss your case.
Factors That May Affect Truck Accident Damages
Injuries involving large trucks are generally more severe, so survivors may be able to claim more damages than they could if only a smaller vehicle were involved. There are also a few specific factors that may impact the total amount of damages the survivor can ask for.
To start with, there could be several at-fault parties who were responsible for the wreck. They may include everyone from the truck driver and his or her employer to the truck’s manufacturer and the company that loaded the cargo.
The nature of the evidence could translate to higher damages as well. For instance, the truck’s black box recording device could be proof of the driver’s negligence. Or the driver or trucking company may have violated one of the many federal regulations that apply to trucking. If the negligent party’s actions were especially wrongful, the survivor could seek punitive damages (see below). Your attorney will develop the evidence needed to argue for the most damages available under the law.
What Kinds of Compensation Can You Claim?
Every truck accident lawsuit is different, so the type and amount of damages that could be available will vary. But these are some examples of the types of truck accident damages:
Medical Bills
A catastrophic truck accident could leave the survivor hospitalized for weeks or months. Surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, adaptive medical equipment, and more may be required. Medical expenses will likely be incurred long into the future, and the survivor can seek compensation for those as well.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
While recovering from the accident, seeing the doctor for medical appointments, and tending to other related matters, the survivor will miss time from work. If the injuries are especially severe, he or she might not be able to return to the same career or work at all, costing future income, raises, and bonuses.
Non-Economic Damages
This category of damages includes losses that are more difficult to quantify in terms of dollar amount. Some examples are pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Although subjective, the survivor can be awarded compensation to address these.
Property Damage
The at-fault party can be ordered to pay to repair or replace the injured party’s vehicle, plus personal property that was lost in the accident.
Punitive Damages
As the term implies, these damages are intended to punish the negligent party. They are generally only available in cases in which the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious. There may be limitations on the amount recovered depending on the circumstances of the case.
Our Dedicated Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Advocate for You
We understand the anxiety and stress you are experiencing in the wake of your large truck accident. Let our attorneys handle your legal claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries. To get started with your Charleston truck accident lawsuit, call Rosen Hagood today.
