Accidents involving semi trucks and other large commercial vehicles often result in fatalities and severe injuries. These vehicles are much larger and heavier than regular cars, which makes collisions more destructive.
The force of impact can cause catastrophic damage, leading to higher medical costs and prolonged recovery times. While these crashes are usually more devastating, they can also be more complicated when assessing a claim’s value.
Understanding the factors that influence a trucking accident claim is essential.
Damages that can result from a crash
Since truck crashes potentially lead to more significant injuries, higher standards apply to truck drivers, trucking companies and third parties when negligence leads to accidents and injuries.
Damages fall into two main categories:
- Economic:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Noneconomic:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages punish particularly reckless behavior, but courts rarely approve them. When they are included, both Kentucky and Indiana place a limit on the amount awarded.
Multiple parties may be at fault
Proving a trucking accident claim is more complex than a typical car accident. Several parties may be held accountable, including:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Truck owners
- Cargo companies
- Maintenance companies
- Parts manufacturers
Each party’s level of responsibility can vary, and pinpointing who is liable can be challenging. For instance, a tired driver might share partial responsibility with the manufacturer of faulty tires. Additionally, each party has its own insurance company. Insurers have deep pockets and fight to protect their bottom lines by denying claims or reducing their value.
This complexity makes it essential to have a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side. Attorneys with considerable experience in these cases understand the issues involved. They can help by assessing your claim, gathering evidence and maximizing the compensation you receive.