We drive alongside large trucks and 18-wheelers all the time without a second thought. However, these vehicles are extremely dangerous, and they must be approached with caution. If a trucker is negligent, they may cause a severe accident. If this happens to you, an attorney can help you file legal claims to get compensation.
Numerous factors around your case may determine the value of your claims. It is crucial to review these factors with your lawyer, so you understand exactly what kind of compensation you are entitled to. The severity of your injuries, your ability to work after the accident, and how the accident affects your overall quality of life are just a few significant factors to consider. In many cases, negligent truckers and their employers may be held responsible, although we may not know who is truly at fault until a thorough police investigation.
Get a free, private legal assessment from our truck and 18-wheeler accident attorneys when you call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
What Factors Determine the Value of My Damages in a Truck Accident Case?
Damages may be unique in each case, and it is imperative that plaintiffs review their damages thoroughly with a lawyer so they understand what their claims are worth and how much compensation is at stake.
Severity of Injuries
Your injuries are the driving factor behind your case, and the magnitude of your injuries will have a direct impact on the value of your case. More serious injuries almost always lead to greater damages and compensation. Not only are you likely to claim higher medical bills, but your pain and suffering may be greater, too.
Your Ability to Work
Truck accidents may cause injuries so severe that plaintiffs cannot work for a long time. Some plaintiffs take months, or even more than a year, off work to recover. In the meantime, they may be losing a lot of income. Our truck and 18-wheeler accident attorneys can help you claim the income you lost and may continue to lose as part of your damages.
Quality of Life
The accident might have numerous effects that come together to greatly reduce your quality of life. You might be unable to work, your injuries might make living on your own impossible for a while, and you might find your freedom and independence more limited. You deserve compensation for the reduction in your quality of life.
FAQs About Accidents Involving Trucks and 18-Wheelers in Quakertown
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Common causes include tired truckers, speeding, unbalanced cargo, and ordinary traffic violations. When truckers are negligent, they may be more likely to cause an accident because large speeding trucks and 18-wheelers are incredibly difficult to stop. A police investigation may reveal exactly what happened and who is responsible.
Who is Usually Responsible for Accidents with Trucks and 18-Wheelers?
In many cases, truck drivers are directly responsible for accidents, but they might not be the only ones held liable. Trucker negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Additionally, their employers may be held vicariously liable for the accident.
Are Truck Accidents Covered by Insurance?
Yes. A truck accident may be covered by insurance like any other vehicle accident. Since truck and 18-wheeler crashes often involve extensive damage and injuries, insurance claims tend to be larger, require more evidence, and take longer to complete. If the trucker or their employer does not have insurance or their insurance coverage is insufficient, your lawyer can help you explore other legal options.
How Do I Know if I Should File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident?
It may be difficult to determine if a lawsuit is a good idea, but it is worth considering if insurance is unavailable or insufficient. Keep in mind that Pennsylvania follows specific insurance laws that could limit a driver’s ability to sue. If you elect full tort insurance, you may sue for damages after a car accident without having to meet any additional legal criteria. However, if you elect limited tort insurance, you may sue only if you can prove you experienced a “serious injury” as defined by law or other exceptions.
How Do I Gather Evidence for an 18-Wheeler Accident Case?
You may begin gathering evidence almost immediately after the accident. As you wait for emergency help to arrive, take pictures and record videos of the accident scene if you can. Talk to others at the crash, including drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. Get their names and contact information so we can talk to them later about possibly providing testimony.
What Factors Determine the Value of My Claims in a Truck Accident Case?
Many factors influence the value of your claims for damages. Some prominent factors we should consider include, but are not limited to, the severity of your injuries, the extent of any property damage, whether you can work after the accident, your physical pain, and your emotional and psychological distress.
Who Investigates Accidents with 18-Wheelers and Large Trucks?
After a truck accident, someone should call 911 immediately. The police may investigate the accident and help determine what went wrong and who is to blame. Depending on where the accident occurred, the state or local police may be involved. Since trucking regulations are imposed at the federal level, federal authorities, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), might also be involved.
Can I Sue for a Truck Accident if I am Stuck in the Hospital for a Long Time?
Yes. Even if you must call from your hospital bed or have someone call for you, you should seek help from a lawyer right away. The trucking company involved in the accident might already be preparing settlement offers to make the accident go away as fast as possible, and you need a lawyer who can stand up for you and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
How Do I Claim Damages for Pain and Suffering After a Truck Accident?
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are not always tied to monetary costs and are inherently subjective. As such, proving them can be tricky. You may need to testify in your trial to prove how the accident has affected you physically and psychologically. If your injuries are severe, your pain and suffering may be more easily inferred by the jury.
What Happens if Other Injured Drivers Sue the Same Trucker and Trucking Company?
Truck accidents can be big events and may affect numerous drivers and passengers. As such, multiple other plaintiffs may file lawsuits against the same defendants. If this happens, your case could be consolidated with other plaintiffs’ cases, and certain hearings and proceedings may be held together to improve efficiency. However, your claims should remain legally separate, and the outcome of your case is not tied to the outcome of other cases.
Start Your Case with Help from Our Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Quakertown
Get a free, private legal assessment from our truck and 18-wheeler accident attorneys when you call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
