How Much Will You Get Paid If an 18 Wheeler Hits You?

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler or large truck, you understand the devastating consequences it can have on your life. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles often result in severe injuries and even death. In such cases, seeking compensation for your losses becomes crucial for your recovery and financial stability. But the question that lingers in your mind is, “How much will you get paid if an 18-wheeler hits you?”

Understanding the intricacies of truck accident settlements and the factors that determine the compensation amount is essential for accident victims. From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, the damages incurred can be extensive. This blog post sheds light on the average settlement for an 18-wheeler accident, factors influencing the settlement amount, and the importance of seeking legal representation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident, Miley Legal is here to help. Contact us today for a free case review.

Understanding Liability and Negligence in 18-Wheeler Accidents

Liability refers to the legal responsibility for an accident, while negligence involves the failure to exercise reasonable care that harms others.

You need to establish the liability and negligence of the truck driver or company in order to seek compensation for your damages. This process involves gathering evidence, such as eyewitness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and even surveillance footage if available. These pieces of evidence play a vital role in proving the fault of the responsible parties.

It’s important to note that liability can extend beyond just the truck driver. The truck driver’s employer, the trucking company, and other parties involved may also share responsibility. Proving negligence can be a complex process, which is why seeking the assistance of a West Virginia 18-wheeler accident lawyer is crucial.

Types of Compensation Available in 18-Wheeler Accidents

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to help you recover from your injuries and losses.

Here are some common forms of compensation available in truck accident cases:

• Medical Expenses: This includes coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments required for your recovery.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for your lost wages during your recovery period. Additionally, if your injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. Compensation may be awarded for your pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or showed willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to deter the defendant from being negligent in the future.

It’s important to remember that the compensation you receive will depend on the details of your case. Consulting with an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney can help you understand the types of compensation you may be eligible for and ensure you pursue a fair settlement.

Factors That Can Affect Your 18-Wheeler Settlement Amount

Determining an average settlement amount for an 18-wheeler accident can be difficult because each case has different circumstances.

Here are some key elements that can affect your 18-wheeler accident settlement amount:

• Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries can greatly affect your settlement. More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and have long-term consequences generally result in higher compensation.
• Long-Term Effects: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities, chronic pain, or diminished quality of life, it can increase the settlement amount to account for ongoing medical expenses and the impact on your future earning capacity.
• Comparative Fault: If it is determined that you bear some responsibility for the accident, the concept of comparative fault comes into play. In such cases, the compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault that you caused.
• Insurance Company Policy Limits: The insurance policy limits of the at-fault party’s coverage can affect the maximum amount of compensation you can receive. If the policy limits are low, it may limit the settlement amount.

Contact Miley Legal Today

Being involved in an 18-wheeler accident can have life-altering physical and financial consequences. Seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses is essential for your recovery and to secure your future. Throughout this blog post, we’ve explored the factors that can affect your settlement amount and the various types of compensation available in 18-wheeler accident cases.

Remember, understanding your rights and the complexities of these cases is crucial. Seeking legal representation from an experienced 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is your best course of action. They will guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and help you negotiate with the insurance company.

Our dedicated team of truck accident attorneys at Miley Legal is here to support you. We have the knowledge and resources to handle your truck accident lawsuit so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free case review and to get started on your case.