When a truck accident occurs, there are many different kinds of damages that may result.
The cost of medical treatment, time away from work and other personal losses can all be consequential damages in this type of personal injury case.
Truck accident victims may seek financial compensation for any or all of these common types of damages: A truck accident can have disastrous consequences for the injured parties and their families.
Whether you have been in an accident with a semi or you know someone who has, it is important to speak to truck accident lawyers to understand what kind of compensation is available when you’re dealing with injuries from a truck crash.
Here’s a look at some common types of truck accident damages that may be compensated if you have been involved in such a crash:
1. Lost Wages
When a person is unable to work due to a truck accident, he or she may be able to recover the lost wages. Lost wages can come in many forms, including lost income from work and loss of potential income from future work. However, this kind of compensation is intended to replace a portion of the person’s lost income, based on the degree of the disability.
If the injury is temporary and expected to heal, then the injured worker may be entitled to temporary disability compensation. If the person is not expected to recover from the injury, or if the injury is permanent, then the employee may be entitled to long-term disability compensation.
2. Medical Treatment Costs
Medical treatment is often necessary after a truck accident, and can be quite costly depending on the severity of the injuries sustained. However, medical expenses associated with truck accident injuries are often compensated and in some cases, the victim is even entitled to receive compensation for a percentage of their future medical costs.
This is called “future medical expense” damages and are typically calculated based on the type and severity of the injuries suffered and the expected ongoing medical costs.
3. Loss of Consortium
A person whose spouse was injured in a truck accident may be able to recover loss of consortium damages.
A spouse may experience pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. If the accident was the result of another person’s negligence, that person may be held liable for these damages. In some cases, an injured spouse may also be entitled to receive a settlement for lost wages that may be the result of the truck accident.
4. Loss of Quality of Life
A person who has been injured in a truck accident may be entitled to receive compensation for loss of quality of life. Many forms of damages in a truck accident claim focus on money. However, there are also damages available that are non-monetary damages.
In some cases, a truck accident can have such a devastating effect that it causes a loss of quality of life. If you or your loved one’s injuries are such that they cause extreme physical pain or significant cognitive impairment, you may be able to receive a non-monetary award for loss of quality of life.
These damages are difficult to prove and are rare, and a judge or jury will decide the amount of compensation for this type of damages on a case-by-case basis. But they are an important part of truck accident settlements because they represent a dollar amount that cannot be given in monetary terms.
5. Property Damage
Property damage is fairly straightforward in truck accident damages. Many truck accidents will cause damage to fences, signs, buildings and other property. However, you must be careful to document everything carefully and take pictures of all damaged items. You should also make sure to report any damage to your insurance company and speak to a team of truck accident lawyers.
6. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages resulting from a truck accident may be recoverable. These damages are often difficult to prove, however, and they are reserved for extreme truck accident cases. In some cases, pain and suffering damages may be awarded in addition to lost wages, medical care and other damages that are proven by the truck accident victim.
In Conclusion
A truck accident can have disastrous consequences for the injured parties and their loved ones. And while many people think of physical injuries when they think of a truck accident, they may be surprised to realize that there are many different types of damages that can result from this type of accident.
The cost of medical treatment, time away from work, and other personal losses can all be consequential damages in a truck accident.
When victims of a truck accident seek financial compensation for these common types of damages, truck accident lawyers can help you win compensation for some of the costs and losses associated with your injuries.
