If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need to know your rights. You may also want to know how to recover compensation from your injuries. The article below explains some of these aspects of the law.
How can a truck accident lawyer help? Here’s what you should know.
Liability
If you have been in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, you may be facing legal liability. There are a number of different parties that can be held liable.
One of the most important things to do is to determine who is liable for the crash. It may be a driver, a trucking company, or a manufacturer.
The trucking industry is a complex one. There are multiple parties involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the owner of the cargo.
Truck drivers can be liable for a wide range of accidents, from speeding to distracted driving to drunk driving. Aside from trucking companies, there are also third-party maintenance contractors. These individuals can be held accountable for a variety of things, from setting up work zones to poor tire upkeep.
While a truck’s safety features are meant to protect the driver, a malfunctioning part can cause a product liability claim. Also, a malfunctioning brake or steering system can cause a maintenance problem.
Punitive damages
In truck accident law, punitive damages are available to injured parties. These awards are meant to deter the defendant from engaging in similar behavior and to punish them.
Punitive damages are awarded for actions that are considered grossly negligent or malicious. This means that a defendant did not simply violate the laws but did so with recklessness and a desire to do harm.
A punitive damage award may be available in a number of situations in Pennsylvania truck accident claims. For example, the driver of an 18-wheeler may have been impaired, speeding, or drunk. The driver may have failed to take a blood alcohol content test, or the trucking company might have had a policy that allowed employees to work more than the allowed hours.
A jury may also find that the trucking company is liable for punitive damages if it had a policy in place that was contrary to federal regulations. An 18-wheeler crash can also be caused by the driver being distracted by cell phones, radios, and other items in the vehicle.
Recovering compensation for your injuries
When it comes to recovering compensation for your injuries after a truck accident, there are several things you need to know. Depending on the specifics of the case, you may be entitled to financial assistance from the at-fault party, but you will have to be prepared for the unexpected.
It is important to document the damages and impact of the accident. This can include medical expenses, receipts, and estimates. A skilled attorney can help you get the best possible settlement.
Truck accidents can be devastating. Besides physical pain, you may be dealing with emotional scarring. In addition, you may be unable to work, limiting your earning potential and life quality.
You can collect damages for your lost wages. These include the time you missed from work due to medical treatment or specialist visits. If you cannot return to work, you can claim damages for “lost earning capacity.”
Other damages can include mental pain and suffering. This includes grief, extreme stress, and cognitive changes as a result of the injury.
Understanding your rights
Whether you are a victim of a trucking accident or you are the driver, you need to understand your rights in truck accident law. If you or your loved one has been involved in a collision, you need to seek out a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. It is important to remember that pain and suffering damages can be very subjective. Your damages may include things like your medical bills and future expenses, as well as the pain and suffering you have suffered from the accident.
Having a lawyer representing you may be the best way to get the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and other related costs. In addition to that, you should also take the time to consult with your attorney about the best ways to pursue your case.
