Truck accidents, because of their tendency to be more severe than a typical passenger car accident, are more likely to cause significant damages to accident victims. However, each case is unique, and it is very difficult to predict exactly what a particular truck case is worth until lots of information is gathered, not only about the injuries and damages sustained, but also about many other factors such as who is at fault for the accident.
Some of the factors which may influence what your case is worth include:
- The degree of fault of each party involved. For example, if you are determined to be partially at fault for the accident you will most likely not be fully compensated for your injuries, with a reduction in recovery equal to your percentage of fault.
- The severity of the physical injuries suffered, including how long those injuries lasted (or continue to last), and how the injuries impact your everyday life.
- The degree to which your injuries are related to the truck accident. It is often contested between the parties whether the injuries you suffer from after the accident are actually related to the accident or not, or whether they are caused by something else unrelated or because of a pre-existing condition. Typically, expert medical opinions must be provided to show what injuries are, and are not, related to the accident.
- How much insurance coverage the defendant(s) carry. An unfortunate fact is that no matter how severe or extensive your injuries and damages may be, what compensation you can receive for these injuries is dependent, at least to a certain extent, on how much insurance coverage is available to compensate you for your losses.
- When and if the case is settled or goes to trial. Whether the case is settled out of court, before or after a lawsuit has been filed, or must proceed to trial can all effect how much compensation you ultimately receive, if any.
- If the case is decided by a jury, the jury members’ sympathies, prejudices, and perceptions about many different things, from the legal system itself, how they feel about truck drivers, and even the plaintiff and defendant’s appearance may effect the verdict amount, if any, awarded.
See also “What are the types of compensation for victims of a serious truck accident?”
Starr Austen and Miller focuses on representing individuals and their family members in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, such as those often involved in trucking accidents. If you or a loved one have been in a truck accident you can contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
[Source: Truck Accident Lawyer.com]
