Wrongful Death & Severe Injuries
When a loved one tragically loses their life due to the negligence or misconduct of a truck driver or trucking company, it can be incredibly challenging for families. Not only do they face the emotional pain of losing someone dear, but they also deal with financial burdens from medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. It’s important to know that families have the right to seek justice and compensation through legal action.
Did you know? Tractor-trailer accidents are 10 times more likely to be fatal than crashes with other cars. When a truck accident claims the life of your loved one, an experienced truck accident attorney can help hold the company responsible through a wrongful death claim.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Trucking Cases
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours can impair reaction times and decision-making.
- Speeding: Tight delivery schedules may lead to speeding, making it hard to stop or react to sudden changes.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS can divert attention from the road.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Incorrectly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause trucks to become unbalanced.
- Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance or defective parts can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other issues.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
- Back and Neck Injuries: These can range from minor pain to serious conditions like ruptured discs.
- Broken Bones: The force of a truck crash can easily break bones, leading to long recovery times.
- Burn Injuries: Especially common if the truck is carrying flammable materials, burns can cause significant pain and require extensive treatment.
- Head Injuries: Trauma to the head can result in life-altering brain injuries.
Compensation and Damages
If you or your family are victims of a truck crash, you may be entitled to various types of compensation.
Economic Damages: These cover financial losses and aim to restore your physical condition. They include:
- Hospital and medical bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Vehicle and property damage
- Lost household services
Non-Economic Damages: These are harder to quantify but equally important. They cover:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship (consortium)
- Diminished quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive Damages: These are intended to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct. They apply when a trucking company acts with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as repeated safety violations.
Understanding these damages can help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve. The amount of compensation varies depending on the specifics of each case, particularly the severity of the injuries.
