Road accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks can have significant and lasting impacts on those involved. Given their immense size and weight, these vehicles have the potential to cause severe harm and substantial property damage.
When caught in an 18-wheeler accident, you might be curious about the compensation available for the injuries and losses you’ve experienced. The amount you can receive hinges on various factors, such as the seriousness of your injuries, the degree of property damage, and the determination of liability.
That’s why we’re here to guide you through evaluating the compensation you could rightfully claim following such an incident. We will also give you some pointers on maximizing your compensation with the help of an 18-wheeler accident legal support.
How to Calculate the Compensation You Can Get from an 18-Wheeler Accident?
When deciding the compensation for an 18-wheeler accident, evaluating economic and non-economic damages is crucial. Economic damages include quantifiable aspects like medical bills and income lost due to the accident. On the other hand, non-economic damages cover less tangible losses such as emotional pain and suffering.
Quantifying these damages can be difficult, often necessitating the assistance of doctors, economists, and accountants. Furthermore, the comparative fault rule in your state, which considers your fault in the accident, can influence the final compensation amount.
This rule reduces your compensation in proportion to the percentage of fault you bear in the accident. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by $20,000, resulting in $80,000 in compensation. Some states use a modified comparative fault rule that prevents you from recovering if you were more than 50% or 51% at fault for the accident.
What Factors Affect the Amount of Your Compensation from an 18-Wheeler Accident?
The amount of compensation you may receive after an accident varies based on several factors:
- Severity of injuries – Severe injuries often result in higher compensation amounts, especially if they lead to permanent disability or impairment. Minor injuries typically result in lesser compensation.
- Extent of losses – Greater losses, such as high medical bills or a significant loss of income due to injuries, can lead to a higher compensation amount.
- Liability of parties involved -The party primarily at fault for the accident can impact the compensation. If the other party’s negligence is evident, your compensation may increase.
- Strength of your case – The strength of your case, backed by solid evidence and witnesses, can significantly influence your compensation.
How to Maximize Your Compensation with the Help of Legal Support?
To maximize compensation after an accident, seeking legal assistance is crucial. An experienced 18-wheeler accident legal support can assist you in various ways:
- Case evaluation – Legal support can assess your case’s value and advise on the best approach, whether filing a claim, negotiating a settlement, or going to trial.
- Evidence gathering – Professionals can collect and preserve crucial evidence, from medical records to witness statements, to strengthen your case.
- Legal documentation – They prepare and file necessary documents, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Negotiation skills – Legal support can negotiate with insurance companies or defendant lawyers on your behalf, striving for a fair and reasonable settlement.
- Court representation – If needed, they can represent you in court, advocating for your interests and presenting your case convincingly.
Conclusion
An 18-wheeler accident can result in significant harm and losses, making it crucial to understand how to calculate and maximize compensation. Factors such as economic and non-economic damages, injury severity, loss extent, liability, and case strength determine your compensation. Seeking assistance from reliable legal support is vital to navigating the legal complexities and ensuring you obtain the compensation you deserve.
