How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
Truck accidents are rarely minor fender-benders. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, collisions involving them often lead to life-altering injuries and devastating property damage. In this article, we discuss some of the factors that could impact the settlement calculations in a truck accident case:
1. Medical Costs
Your medical bills will likely make up a significant portion of your crash-related expenses. Even minor procedures can cost thousands of dollars, and major injuries can lead to a lifetime of medical expenses.
When estimating the value of your truck accident claim, your attorney may take into account both past and future medical treatments, prescription drugs, emergency services, lab tests, diagnostic scans, orthopedics, prosthetics, physical therapy, home modifications, and more. Be sure to keep any invoices, receipts, and records pertaining to necessary medical costs.
2. Property Damage
Colliding with a truck can turn your treasured car into a crumpled wreck. After such a collision, there’s a good chance you will have to replace your vehicle. However, even if your car can be fixed, the repairs may run into thousands of dollars. Take pictures of your vehicle to document the damage and keep track of the total cost of repairs. Your attorney can include them in the settlement calculations.
3. Lost Wages
If you missed work due to your injuries, these lost wages can be included as part of your truck accident claim. You will need to prove that these injuries prevented you from returning to your job. In other words, you must visit a doctor and get an official diagnosis if you intend to seek compensation for lost income. In the event that you suffered a long-term or permanent disability, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost future earnings.
4. Pain and Suffering
Although pain and suffering are not objectively verifiable, these “non-economic” damages often account for a major portion of a personal injury settlement. Typically, attorneys calculate pain and suffering by multiplying the medical bills by a number between 1.5 and 5. The more severe your injuries, the higher the multiplier. Some lawyers, however, take the “per diem” approach, meaning that they assign a specific dollar figure to each day from the injury to the date when you reach maximum medical improvement.
5. Punitive Damages
Most states allow for punitive damages awards if the defendant acted with particularly egregious behavior. The specific standard for awarding punitive damages varies by state. You may be entitled to such damages, for example, if the at-fault driver was drunk or the defendant tried to falsify evidence to cover up negligence.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Truck Accident Attorney
Would you like to find out how much your case might be worth? At Attorneys for All, we can connect you with a truck accident lawyer in your area who will evaluate your case as part of a free initial consultation. CALL US ANYTIME (281) 475-4535 or fill out a consultation form here to start the process.