How Much Is My Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claim Worth?
Posted in Truck Accidents on March 18, 2021
Accidents involving large commercial trucks are often devastating, particularly those who may be riding in traditional passenger cars affected by the collision. The size and weight discrepancy between semi-trucks and smaller vehicles are the number one contributing factor to the devastation in these cases.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company, you may be entitled to compensation. However, determining the value of a truck accident claim can be complicated, and there are various factors that need to be taken into consideration.
The severity of the injuries
One of the costliest aspects of a semi-truck accident claim in Tennessee is the medical care that victims receive. There is no denying that medical care costs quite a bit of money. Unfortunately, truck accidents often lead to injuries that are much more severe than those caused by traditional vehicle accidents. The more severe the injuries, the higher the cost of medical care. It is not uncommon for truck accident victims in Tennessee to sustain the following:
- Severe head trauma or brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Crush injuries or amputations
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Broken or dislocated bones
Any of these injuries can lead to significant and ongoing medical bills, particularly if a victim is disabled.
The total vehicle damage
An often overlooked aspect of truck accident claims is vehicle damage. Because of the size and weight of a semi-truck, it is not uncommon for traditional passenger vehicles to sustain significant damage when the collision occurs. Any vehicle involved in a truck crash will need to be appropriately evaluated and appraised in an effort to determine how much compensation will be required to repair or replace the vehicle.
The level of pain and suffering
It is also possible for truck crash victims to receive compensation for what are called “general damages.” These are often referred to as pain and suffering damages, and refer to the victim’s emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and physical pain and suffering. These types of damages are harder to calculate, and victims should work with a truck accident attorney in Tennessee to get through this part of the process.
Lost wages
Many truck accident victims are unable to work while they are recovering from their injuries. This can lead to a significant amount of lost income. Additionally, if a truck accident victim is temporarily or permanently disabled, this can lead to a loss of future earnings or a loss of future earning potential. This all needs to be calculated into the total amount of compensation a victim receives.
Determining fault
Tennessee operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that victims can still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault, so long as they are not 50% or more responsible for the crash. However, the total amount of compensation they receive will be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
An Attorney can Help Maximize Compensation
It is crucial for truck accident victims to work with a skilled attorney who can get involved early in the process and fully evaluate the total expected losses. An attorney can use their resources to employ assistance from trusted economic and financial experts who can properly determine the total value of the semi-truck accident claim.