What Truck Accident Damages Cover
The good news for Nevada drivers is we are on the list of the states with the lowest percentage of large trucks involved in fatal crashes. The rate is just 7%, according to the National Safety Council.
Unfortunately, any truck accident can lead to catastrophe for anyone involved.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck, there will be a lot to sort through, starting with whoever was at fault. If it can be established the truck driver was driving negligently, you are entitled to pursue damages.
Speaking with the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp can be a big help. We are an experienced Reno truck accident attorney who can help clients seek the maximum compensation they’re owed.
The following are the types of damages you are entitled to seek when the truck driver is liable for your accident:
Medical Expenses
A car that takes the full brunt of a collision with a fully loaded semi-truck is going to suffer a lot of damage. Even with the protection of steel frames, airbags, and seat belts, the occupant of that car can be seriously injured. You are entitled to be compensated for any out-of-pocket expenses, including the following:
- Ambulance fee
- Emergency room visits
- Surgical procedures
- Hospital stays
- Follow up examinations
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment such as wheelchairs or crutches
In order to be reimbursed by an insurance company, you must provide copies of all your bills. You and your attorney can also factor in potential future expenses.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If the injuries you’ve suffered as a result of the truck accident keep you off the job, you can seek compensation for your lost wages. That can include time off from work for doctor’s visits and therapy. You could also be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working at the same job and salary you had before the accident. In the worst-case scenario, your injuries might leave you permanently disabled. That could allow you to seek compensation for the loss of future earnings.
Your attorney will have access to specialized accountants who can assess your earning potential based on your age, skills, and career potential.
Property Damage
The crumple zone of an SUV won’t be able to completely withstand the impact of an 80,000-pound truck. If your car is deemed a total loss, it will be assessed for the current market value at the time of the accident. If it can be repaired, you can seek compensation for the repairs, parts, and rental car while your ride is being worked on.
Like your medical bills, you must keep meticulous records of all expenses related to your car repairs.
Pain and Suffering
All the above expenses are considered economic damages. Those are anything that a receipt or a bill can back up. Pain and suffering would be considered noneconomic damage. These would be all the things that have impacted your life, including the following:
- Physical discomfort from injuries
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma like anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience caused by your injuries
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium is a type of noneconomic damage related to your relationship with your spouse or partner. These damages would acknowledge that you’ve suffered from the loss of companionship, sexual relationship, and the ability to provide spousal support.
Punitive Damages
You could be awarded punitive damages when there are extreme examples of truck driver negligence. These are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter others from engaging in the same type of behavior. Typically, punitive damages are only awarded by a jury when you file a civil complaint. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith or denies your claim, filing that claim might be the best option.
Every truck accident is unique. In addition to the truck driver being named as the liable party, the trucking company that hired the driver and contractors who loaded the cargo could also be responsible for the cause of the accident. They can all be named in your claim.
That is why you need support from a skilled truck accident attorney.
The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp can help identify the at-fault parties. We can also help calculate all the damages, including some you might not consider. When someone causes you harm, you need to seek what you’re due.
Call to set up a free consultation to discuss what happened.
