4 Types Of Compensable Injuries And Damages From Truck Accidents
The sheer size of semi-trucks on the roadway is intimidating to many drivers. Some drivers feel like the chances of them getting involved in an accident with these monster vehicles are nearly impossible. However, a trucking accident can happen to anyone. It does not have anything to do with a car driver having good defensive driving skills or a perfect driving record. Many truck accidents are caused by truck driver negligence. These accidents may be compensable to victims who often have a lifetime of issues if they survive. The families of victims who do not survive may be able to receive compensation on their behalf. The following points identify a few types of injuries and damages that can be compensated.
Physical Injuries
There are a variety of injuries victims may get from truck accidents. Most of them are serious in nature due to semi-trucks being much larger than cars, vans, motorcycles, and trucks. Physical injuries that may occur are brain injuries, whiplash, loss of limbs, loss of eyesight, or neck and back injuries.
Pain and Suffering
The family of individuals who are killed in these tragic accidents can sue for pain and suffering. Spouses often seek compensation for loss of companionship. Individuals who survive accidents can also seek compensation for pain and suffering. This may apply when there are situations that change their lives for the unforeseeable future such as permanent disability, paralysis, or loss of a limb.
Loss of Income
This is something that insurance companies may fail to include when they attempt to offer settlements to victims. Most surviving victims with serious injuries are unable to return to work indefinitely. Those who do return may not be able to perform the same type of job duties. Individuals may spend significant time out of work after a truck accident. The time missed is compensable.
Long Term Recovery Time
Victims may have long recovery times. This is often due to them needing to have several medical procedures performed. Some victims require medical rehabilitation in the form of physical therapy or counseling. Brain injuries may require victims to undergo speech therapy or mental exercises. Individuals who lose limbs may need to be trained to use prosthetics which can take a while.
A truck accident lawyer is a good resource for victims or their families to use to understand compensation. It is not uncommon for victims to be offered settlements from insurance companies after truck accidents. These offers may not fully cover their injuries and damages. However, if they are accepted, they are considered final. Truck accident lawyers can negotiate with insurance company lawyers to get fair settlements for their clients.