After a truck accident, you may be wondering the exact amount of compensation you are entitled to. However, things are hardly ever straightforward: you may not receive the same compensation as someone who had been in a similar accident. The different types of compensation you are entitled to will vary based on several factors, including:
- How serious your injury was: Severe injuries usually receive a higher level of compensation than minor ones.
- How limiting your injury was: If you suffered a severe injury that left no long-lasting impact on you, you may end up getting less than if you suffered a minor injury that permanently affects your ability to return to work.
- Who was responsible for the accident: The compensation you receive may be significantly lower if you contributed to the accident.
Based on these factors, the amount you receive for different types of compensation after a truck accident can vary. Let us look at them below.
With serious injuries, medical bills do not include just the cost of hospitalization but many other fees you may not have considered. They include:
- Fees for physical therapy
- Assistive equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches
- Home and vehicle modifications such as stairlifts and wheelchair ramps
- Private nursing care
- Medical, surgical and consultation bills
It is important to keep a copy of these bills as you receive them to aid you in fighting for due compensation.
Even if the injury you sustained wasn’t particularly severe, you may still be out of work for a few days or need to take a few hours off here and there for doctors’ and physical therapists’ visits. Furthermore, if your injury was severe and/or if you have a physically demanding job, you may be out of work for weeks and months after accounting for surgery and recuperation time. Keep a log of the number of hours and days you have been unable to return to work following the accident as you can be compensated for it.
This differs from lost income in that you are completely unable to return to your previous job due to the injury. This is particularly true if your job is of a physical nature or if you suffered from traumatic injuries that led to cognitive loss.
This can make up the largest part of your settlement and is calculated based on the severity of your injuries as well as lost earnings and potential. However, a few other factors can impact the amount you receive under pain and suffering.
- Reduced ability to engage in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed. If you are an avid athlete or dancer who can no longer take part in your favorite pastime as a result of the accident, make that fact known.
- Emotional suffering: If you have developed depression or anxiety, or suffered embarrassment due to the accident, this may contribute to the “pain and suffering” settlement.
Now that you know all the different types of compensation you are entitled to after a truck accident claim, it is important to hire a truck accident lawyer immediately. When you engage one of our experienced and competent lawyers at Corradino & Papa, LLC, you are significantly increasing your chances of receiving due compensation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.