According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over the past several years, thousands of people nationwide have died in crashes involving large commercial trucks. The size of these massive vehicles also leads to serious injuries to victims. After getting hurt in a truck accident, injury victims need to recover financially to get their lives back on track. But what determines the value of a truck accident case? The final monetary value of your truck accident case depends on many factors. Keep reading to learn more about what determines the value of your truck accident case.
What Factors Influence the Value of My Truck Accident Case?
The settlement value of a truck accident case depends on the facts surrounding the crash. You should work with an attorney to prove some critical factors are present to recover all the money you are owed after an accident.
Liability
The party responsible for causing the accident is liable and must pay for the victim’s losses and injuries. Truck accidents are unique because there are often multiple potentially responsible parties. A truck driver may have been behind the wheel when the crash happened, but if the accident happened due to their negligence, the trucking company may also be responsible for paying for your injuries.
Cost of Medical Treatment
The cost of your medical care significantly influences the final settlement value of your truck accident case. The liable party or parties are responsible for paying for your accident-related medical treatment. Your attorney will demand a settlement amount that covers the full cost of care, including emergency treatment, inpatient care, rehabilitation, and long-term care if applicable.
Lost Wages
Some injuries are so severe that they may keep you from working. The more work you miss, the more income you lose, and bills can quickly pile up. A negligent truck driver can financially ruin an accident victim. Fortunately, you can include your lost wages in your final settlement demand.
Property Damage
Property damage may be a part of your claim and settlement. An accident victim must provide proof of the damage to their vehicle, usually through showing repair estimates.
Mental Trauma
Accident victims can recover from the mental trauma that they suffered because of the accident. Mental trauma is often difficult to quantify, but the help of an experienced accident attorney can help you recognize the losses you suffered and recover from them.
Truck accidents are violent and terrifying. A vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds barreling toward you can leave you with lasting mental scars that can last a lifetime. Some truck accident victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions because of the trauma of the accident.
What are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are not compensatory but are awarded to accident victims as a punishment to the defendant. Punitive damages are available in extraordinary cases in California. This damage is recoverable in cases of malice, fraud, or oppression. Speak to an attorney to find out if they are available in your case. Punitive damages can increase the settlement value of your truck accident claim, if applicable.
Call a California Truck Accident Attorney Today
The legal team at the Kuvara Law Firm is dedicated to getting you the financial recovery you deserve after a truck accident. We know how hard it is to get your life back on track after an accident. That is why we want to support you as you fight for the recovery you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-4-INJURY or send us an email through our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.
