What Damages Can I Claim If I’m Hit by a Truck Driver?
February 28, 2019 | Car Accidents \ Truck Accidents
If you are hit by a large truck, you could be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and financial damages from the crash. It can be difficult to figure out which damages you should claim, but hiring an experienced lawyer to represent your case offers guidance and provides information on what damages you can claim after being hit by a truck driver.
Can I Claim Damages If I’m Partly At Fault for a Truck Driver Hitting Me?
If you are partly at fault for a truck driver hitting you, you could be eligible to recover damages from the accident. In some states, if a driver is partly at fault in an accident they can claim damages if the state follows ‘pure comparative fault.’ In other states, laws are strict on who can recover damages from an accident, and in certain states, this doesn’t include drivers that are 50% or more at fault for a crash. Keep in mind, not everyone is eligible to recover damages for an accident. However, with an experienced lawyer by your side guiding you through the process, this increases your chances of recovering compensation.
How Can I Claim Damages from an At-Fault Truck Driver That Hit Me?
When a truck accident occurs, typically, the driver that is injured in the accident isn’t the truck driver but the passenger vehicle occupant. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, in 2016, 73% of those injured in large truck accidents were passenger vehicle occupants. If you are injured after being hit by a truck driver, you could be eligible to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses that you experienced because of the accident
- Mental, emotional, or physical suffering that stems from your injuries from the crash
- If you had to miss work because of the accident, you could be reimbursed for lost wages
- If there is property damage from the accident, you could recover vehicle repair costs or the total cost of your vehicle (whichever is less), plus rental car fees and other expenses from the accident
If a truck driver hit you and you need assistance with determining what damages you should claim from the accident, hiring a truck accident lawyer can help you in more ways than one. An experienced lawyer can determine what damages you should claim, help you write a demand letter, and file a compelling insurance claim. Additionally, the truck driver isn’t the only party that you could be eligible to recover damages from. If you obtain proof of the truck driver’s employment, you could be eligible to claim damages from their employer.
Consult a Lawyer About Your Truck Accident Case Today
Truck drivers are required to carry, at minimum, general liability insurance. The average policy for commercial truck drivers ranges from $300,000 to $1,000,000.00. If you have a valid claim against a truck driver for hitting you, you could recover a high settlement from the crash, but it’s crucial to have a lawyer by your side when doing so. Your lawyer can help you file a compelling insurance claim, negotiate with the other party’s insurer, and defend you against the negligent truck driver. If you are hit by a truck driver and need help deciding what damages to claim, contact the Dixon Injury Firm today to discuss your case.