Those who live in Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon, need to be aware of the dangers involving truck accidents. There are hundreds of semi-trucks on the road, which can put smaller vehicles at a greater risk of collisions.
If you are the victim of a truck accident and wish to get truck accident compensation, you need to hire a truck accident attorney. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident lawyers have extensive experience with semi-truck accident cases and can help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Keep reading to find out what semi-truck accident compensation you may be able to receive and what the average settlement amount looks like.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Truck accidents are quite common and can result in more extensive injuries and property damage, especially for smaller vehicles. Depending on why the truck accident occurred, you may be entitled to a larger truck accident settlement if the driver or the trucking company is found to have been negligent. Here are some common causes of truck accidents that can help you build a more substantial claim:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigued driving
- Overloading the truck
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poorly trained drivers
- Faulty truck maintenance
It is crucial that you take the additional step of hiring a truck accident attorney to help you when you are building your claim. Truck accident cases can be a bit more complex since you have to figure out who the at-fault party is. In some cases, it may be the driver, the trucking company, or both.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Because semi-trucks are such large and powerful vehicles, smaller vehicles usually sustain the worst damage in an accident. If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, you deserve to get truck accident compensation that will help you cover things like medical bills and lost wages. Here are some examples of common truck accident injuries that may occur:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Bone fractures and breaks
- Burns
- Flesh wounds
- Whiplash
- Disfigurement
- Death
Truck Accident Compensation: Types of Available Damages
Whether you live in Vancouver, Washington, or Portland, Oregon, you are entitled to certain damages if you are the victim of a truck driving accident. The actual settlement amounts for truck accidents are dependent on the situation and the type of damages you have as a result of the accident. However, damages can be broken down into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
To build a strong claim after a truck accident, you need to be able to prove that you have one of these types of damages. Although, in most situations, truck accident victims will have more than one type of damages that apply to their situation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages apply to anything that has a set dollar amount, which will usually include physical injuries and property damage. Here are some examples of what economic damages can help you cover:
- Medical bills
- Medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Car repair costs
Because economic damages have a specific value, it is crucial that you document your injuries and related expenses as much as possible. Having documents such as pay stubs, medical notes, receipts, etc., will help you prove that you deserve a certain amount of compensation.
Economic damages can also help you with future expenses depending on the extent of your injuries. The court will take this into consideration as more extensive injuries may require long-term treatment or a permanent need for things like medication and physical therapy. It will also take this into consideration when considering lost wages and lost earning potential if you are no longer able to work your normal job or you have to cut back your hours indefinitely.
Non-Economic Damages
On the other hand, there are damages that do not fall into the standard economic category as they do not have a specific dollar value. Examples of non-economic damages usually involve pain and suffering and diminished quality of life. You may struggle with PTSD or anxiety after the accident, or your relationships may have suffered due to the aftermath of the accident.
Although non-economic damages can be more difficult to prove, it is still worth pursuing since these types of damages are widely recognized despite not having a dollar value.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may also be added to your case if it is proven that the driver behaved in a reckless way, endangering others on the road. Punitive damages can help you receive a greater compensation amount, even though its primary purpose is to punish the person at fault.
Average Truck Accident Settlement in Oregon and Washington
You may be wondering what the average settlement is for an 18-wheeler accident or other types of semi-truck collisions. The reality is that there is no way to determine exactly how high a settlement you can get before you actually start your claim. Settlements are very dependent on each situation, how the accident occurred, the damages, and the aftermath.
An experienced truck accident attorney can usually help you best determine the type of settlement you could receive when you are filing your claim. Some things that will influence the settlement amount include liability and fault, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance coverage and policy limits.
A truck accident attorney will also help you avoid accepting settlements that are not fair. You never want to agree to anything or sign anything without going over it with your attorney, as the insurance company may try to get you to accept a lowball offer.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Getting into a semi-truck accident is a very scary experience that often results in extensive physical injuries and damage to your vehicle. When this happens, you may be entitled to receive compensation to help with things such as lost wages, medical bills, and long-term medical treatments.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys are committed to defending the downtrodden and protecting the rights of truck accident victims in Oregon and Washington. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
