When victims of truck accidents sustain serious injuries, they often face overwhelming medical bills and a reduced quality of life. In addition, they may be unable to work and earn a living. In these cases, obtaining compensation for their losses is a priority. A Queens truck accident attorney can provide valuable legal counsel on your options for seeking damages from those at fault in a crash.
How to go about filing a lawsuit depends on your state’s laws. Some states have no-fault insurance policies, which means that your own PIP coverage will pay for some of your medical costs (up to your selected coverage limits) regardless of who caused the crash. In other states, including New York, you must establish that the at-fault driver and their employer are responsible for paying your expenses.
The at-fault parties can be held liable for a wide variety of your financial losses, from medical expenses to lost wages and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you calculate your total losses and document them thoroughly. They can also work with insurance companies to negotiate a settlement that meets your needs.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party for their negligence. In some instances, your lawyer will file a lawsuit against more than one defendant to increase the likelihood of receiving a higher settlement for your case.
Common injuries suffered in truck accidents include:
Neck injuries – The impact of a crash can cause a neck injury, such as whiplash, that is often painful and disabling. Broken bones – A crash can result in broken ribs, arms, hands, legs and other bone fractures that require casts, surgery and physical therapy. Some fractures do not heal correctly and can lead to lasting impairments.
Traumatic brain injuries – A TBI can have devastating, long-term effects on victims and their families. These include changes in personality and mood, loss of memory and impaired cognitive function. In some cases, TBIs can be fatal.
Damages to your property – Your lawyer can seek compensation for any damage that you sustained to your vehicle or other personal belongings in the accident. Your lawyer can help you document the amount of your damages by submitting medical records, treatment plans, dollar figures for past and expected future medical expenses and other documentation.
In many cases, the initial settlement offers made by insurance companies are not enough to cover your full damages. It is essential to consult with a Queens Consult a Sacramento truck accident advocate for guidance lawyer before accepting any offers from an insurance company to ensure that your claim is as strong as possible. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC without delay to protect your rights and interests. Our firm has a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve. We represent clients throughout Queens and the surrounding area of New York City.