Truck accidents involve more serious injuries compared to other types of accidents. This is because trucks are about 25 times heavier as compared to cars. They are harder to stop when driven on the highway at 55 – 70 miles per hour, and also more dangerous to passenger cars and motorcycles. Typically, the medical bills for the treatment of injuries due to a truck accident are above $100,000. On top of that, the injury in some cases are so severe that it results in permanent disability.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you can potentially sue the truck driver to get compensation for the financial loss as well as emotional distress caused due to the injuries. Here we will inform you about the three common types of recoverable damages in case of truck accident cases.
1. Monetary Compensation Damages
Monetary compensation damages are paid to compensate for financial expenses that occur due to the injury. The expenses relate to treating the injuries of the victim who suffers an injury in a truck accident. It is also given to compensate the victim for the loss of earnings due to the injury.
There is generally no limit as to the amount of monetary compensation that can be demanded by the victim. The compensation amount is calculated based on the extent, type, and duration of the injury.
2. Non-monetary Compensation Damages
Non-monetary compensation damages are given for non-monetary damages. These damages are not economic in nature in that they do not relate to any financial loss. Instead, the compensation is awarded to the patient to ease the psychological pain and mental suffering due to the injury. Loss of consortium or companionship can also be a basis of non-monetary compensation damages.
3. Wrongful Death Damages
Wrongful death damages are given to the family members of the victim who dies in a truck accident. The damages are awarded to the victim’s family members to cover the following.
- Loss of financial support
- Burial expenses
- Pre-death medical care
- Emotional distress due to the death of a loved one
You can sue the driver as well as the company that hired the driver for negligence or wrongful act that resulted in the death of your relative. The employer of the truck driver can be held responsible based on the respondeat superior principle. According to this, employer is held accountable and liable for any damage or injury caused by an employee in the course of the work.
Hiring an experienced truck accident injury attorney is important to get compensation for truck accident injuries. A qualified lawyer will know what evidence to collect to implicate the person responsible for the action. If you or a family member was seriously injured in a big rig accident, you can contact Shield Litigation, LLP. We have a team of highly professional attorneys who will offer you the best-qualified advice. Contact us today by dialing (714) 728-3385 for a free initial consultation.