If you travel on any highway or major roadway, you are likely to encounter large trucks and 18-wheelers. They are an important part of our shipping infrastructure. However, driven irresponsibly, trucks are extremely dangerous, with the potential to cause catastrophic injuries.
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you may be facing weeks or months of medical bills. You can’t work, and you can’t pay your bills. It doesn’t seem fair when your injury occurred through no fault of your own. A Dallas truck accident lawyer can help.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Dallas personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in awards and settlements for accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
Don’t Accept a Settlement After a Truck Accident
After your accident, an insurance company may reach out with a settlement offer. It can be tempting to take the money, especially if you are hurting for cash. However, it is usually not a good idea to take an initial settlement offer without first speaking to an attorney.
Insurance companies often offer very low settlements because they don’t think you know what your case is worth. If you take the money, you waive your rights to future compensation, even if your condition worsens, and they get out of trouble for a fraction of what you are owed.
Our Dallas truck accident attorneys will know what your case is worth. Unlike the insurance companies, we are on your side. We will fight for the compensation you deserve, and we aren’t going to let an insurance company take advantage of you.
How Much is a Truck Accident Case Worth?
A truck accident injury case can be worth thousands of dollars or well into the millions. Your compensation will be based on the extent of your injuries and expenses. It isn’t possible to guess without a thorough assessment of your case.
Your truck accident lawyer in Dallas will calculate your maximum compensation based on your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages are those associated with expenses and costs you’ve incurred because of your accident. They are relatively easy to calculate as they are attached to a specific dollar amount.
For example, you know how much a car repair costs because the mechanic gives you an invoice. While every case is different, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical appointments such as doctor and specialist visits and follow-ups
- Medications required due to your injuries
- Ambulance transportation and emergency room care
- Surgeries and procedures
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Anticipated medical expenses such as ongoing therapy, medications, and future surgeries
- Lost wages for the times you are unable to work
- Future work-related issues like the need for job retraining
- Property damage to repair your vehicle
You can help your attorney understand the scope of your financial hardships by maintaining copies of receipts and invoices that show the costs you incurred due to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Your non-economic damages reflect the intangible impact the accident has had on you and your family. They are meant to compensate you for the damage you’ve endured to your emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Non-economic damages aren’t always recoverable, and your attorney can let you know if you may be able to claim them. Some examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Keeping note of how the accident has impacted you and your family may assist your attorney in understanding whether you are eligible to recover non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages will not be part of your compensatory damages. A court awards punitive damages in cases where the defendant has behaved with extreme negligence, recklessness, or illegally.
For example, if a trucking company requires its drivers to work long, dangerous hours and then falsifies information in the log books, the judge may impose punitive damages.
You’d need to file a civil suit to recover punitive damages, and your attorney can advise if that is a good idea in your situation.
Have you been involved
in a truck wreck?
Our truck accident lawyers in Dallas are here to help.
(310) 526-8383
Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Your attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the accident happened and who is liable for your injuries. This information will help us understand the best strategy going forward. Some common at-fault parties in a truck accident include:
- The truck driver: The driver is usually at fault for a truck accident if they had been speeding, driving recklessly, distracted by electronic devices, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The trucking company: The driver’s employer may share responsibility in cases where they required their drivers to work long hours without rest, did not vet new employees thoroughly, or failed to ensure truck maintenance occurred.
- The truck or parts manufacturer: If a defect in a part or the design of the truck caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable for damages.
- Another driver or pedestrian: If another party collided with the truck or otherwise caused the accident, they could be at fault.
- Mechanics and maintenance garages: If a third-party mechanic or garage services the truck, they may be held liable for an accident caused by worn or incorrectly installed components.
Get Help from a Dallas Truck Accident Attorney
Most truck drivers take safety seriously and operate their rigs accordingly. This is their livelihood, and they want to avoid an accident as much as you do. However, it only takes one reckless truck driver to ruin your life.
When you are injured in a truck crash, you need help. Insurance companies are supposed to be there for you, but often, they have other concerns. In these difficult times, a Dallas truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need.
Our team at Omega Law Group has decades of combined experience advocating for injured accident victims. Let our family take care of your family. Contact us today for a free consultation and tell us your story.
