If you were hurt in a truck accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. However, navigating the insurance process and collecting damages can be complicated. A knowledgeable attorney can help you file a successful claim while you focus on healing and recovery.
A personal injury lawyer can also investigate your case to determine if you have suffered other types of damages, including punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault party for grossly negligent or malicious actions. These are not a typical part of any settlement and are intended to deter others from acting recklessly or putting their lives in danger.
Your attorney can help you get full and fair compensation for your losses from the at-fault parties involved in your accident, which could include both the truck driver and their employer, as well as any manufacturers or vendors who contributed to your injuries by putting defective parts or unsafe equipment on trucks. Under Missouri law, you can pursue punitive damages when it is demonstrated that the at-fault parties knew or should have known about the dangers associated with their actions but failed to act accordingly.
After any type of accident, it is common to receive calls from insurance companies asking for details about the incident. It is important to keep in mind that anything you say can be used against your claim, so it is best to avoid confirming any details or admitting fault to an insurance adjuster. Even if the person who asks seems friendly, they are likely working to speed up your claim and reduce your payout.
It is also important to retain copies of any bills and documentation that are relevant to your accident. This will ensure that your attorney for truck injuries has all the information necessary to recover the maximum amount of damages you are owed. One thing that sets truck accidents apart from other car crashes is the presence of a black box, which records data like the vehicle’s speed and brake usage.
The amount of money you can be awarded for your medical expenses is typically a significant portion of your total damages. Your attorney will calculate this based on your specific injuries and how long you are expected to recover from them. Your legal team will also consider any complications or lasting impacts that the injuries you sustained in your crash may have on your future, such as loss of enjoyment of activities that you no longer enjoy due to your injuries.
Your lawyer can assist you with any other costs associated with your accident. These often include the cost of replacing any items that were damaged in your crash, such as your car or other property. Your attorney will also look at any other expenses you have experienced as a result of the accident, such as lost wages and loss of consortium.
Being hit by a truck is a serious accident that can have lifelong consequences. Hiring an attorney can make the process less stressful and ensure that you are not cheated by insurance companies that are trying to pay you as little as possible for your injuries.