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When a tractor trailer or other large rig hits a car, anyone who survives should consider themselves fortunate. Unfortunately, some injured truck accident victims may never work again or live a normal life. If the truck driver is responsible for the crash, accident victims may receive compensation or damages for their injuries. Even though the victim may be recuperating in the hospital, it is vital to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance company without speaking to a lawyer.
Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accident injuries are often horrific. An injured victim can become permanently impaired and may never be able to have a stable job or live independently again. Common catastrophic truck accident injuries include:
- Fractures
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of limbs
- Loss of vision
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
Truck Accident Damages
A person injured in a big rig wreck may hold the trucker and trucking company responsible. Truck accident damages may include:
- Medical costs, current and future
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Damages are divided into economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages are often easy to calculate, such as bills relating directly to the accident and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages are more subjective and deal with the psychological aftermath of the crash.
For economic damages, it is critical to keep track of every expense. Childcare costs may be included because the victim cannot watch their children. Also, transportation fees may be included due to the victim being unable to get back and forth from doctor’s visits and rehabilitation appointments.
If the truck driver or trucking company acted in a particularly egregious and reckless manner, punitive damages may come into play. These awards are meant to punish reckless, negligent behaviors by implementing financial consequences.
When a person suffers severe injuries that require long-term care, they are generally awarded higher damages than those whose injuries are less severe. When it comes to truck accident injuries, the person should have met Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), meaning they are not expected to recover much more. When MMI is determined, their lawyer has a better idea of a reasonable amount for damages that will be based on the victim’s prognosis. MMI is decided by medical experts.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, many people do not survive their truck accident injuries; they may die instantly or later succumb. In either case, their families may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties. Damages in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Medical expenses relating to the injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and benefits, including expected future earnings
- Mental anguish
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of comfort and care
- Loss of companionship and society
Statute of Limitations
Virginia’s statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in a personal injury case is two years from the accident date. The earlier you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney, the more you can focus on your recovery while ensuring your legal rights are protected.
Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers Help Injured Truck Accident Victims Recover Damages
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident or lost a family member, you need the services of one of our experienced Virginia Beach truck accident lawyers. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we will fight aggressively for you, so you can receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 757-352-2237 to schedule a free consultation about your case. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia we serve clients in Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, Virginia, as well as North Carolina and nationwide.
