Cars unfortunately have to share the road with other vehicles. Some of those vehicles happen to be larger and more hazardous. If you feel a surge of anxiety rush over you when you drive alongside an 18-wheeler, you’re not being irrational. Commercial truck collisions account for about 500,000 annual accidents each year, with nearly 5,000 resulting in death. If you suffer a dangerous collision with a semi or other large truck, you’re entitled to compensation. When you file a claim, there are three different types of compensation you could collect.
Economic Damages
Economic damage is the most straightforward type of compensation. It essentially helps you recover any financial losses you endured after the truck accident. This includes vehicle and property repair costs, medical expenses, at-home care, travel expenses, and lost wages. If you had to hire additional services during your recovery, such as lawn care or house cleaning, you can count these costs, as well. Depending on the case and your state’s laws, you could be entitled to a full or partial repayment. Make sure to keep all receipts and invoices. Your personal injury lawyer can use this information to help you get the money you deserve.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are difficult to calculate and even more challenging to prove. After a truck accident, you could encounter pain and suffering, permanent disability, decreased quality of life, reduced earning potential, and recurring medical expenses. Since these damages are elusive, it’s crucial to hire a trusted attorney to help assign a dollar amount. Also, truck drivers have the support of well-funded trucking companies, making these cases harder to win. A truck accident lawyer will have the knowledge and resources to fight them. Just because non-economic damages aren’t tangible, doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of compensation.
Punitive Damages
In some rare and severe cases, the court may choose to award the victim of a truck accident with additional compensation. This is known as punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damage compensation is to punish the at-fault driver or trucking company for negligence or malice. If the defendant knowingly ignored safety regulations or intentionally chose to drive recklessly, they could be charged with a high fee. This fee is then paid to the victim or victim’s family.
Hire Davis Law Group to Receive Rightful Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim
If you were injured or involved in a truck accident, call Davis Law Group immediately. You’re likely entitled to economic, non-economic or even punitive damage compensation. Unfortunately, truck companies come prepared with an arsenal of lawyers and funds. They’ll try to prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. The truck accident attorneys at Davis Law Group will fight to produce the best possible outcome for you or your loved one.