When truck accidents happen, you could take legal action against several responsible parties. Your injuries could lead to significant financial, emotional, and physical challenges, and a monetary award could help return you to the position you were in before the crash.
A West Lafayette truck accident lawyer could be invaluable in your pursuit of compensation. From investigating your accident to negotiating a settlement, your attorney could help you secure the best possible outcome.
Calculating the Value of Your Truck Accident Case
Numerous factors go into determining the value of your case. Because of all these moving parts, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what your case might be worth. However, that does not mean you cannot learn about the possible range of outcomes that may apply to your case.
Your attorney might not be able to predict the outcome of your case, but they could investigate your claim and help you understand what you might expect from it. This will not result in a promise or a guarantee, but it could provide you with a frame of reference for understanding what your claim might be worth.
When an attorney reviews your case, they will determine what damages apply. The damages available fall into one of two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These damages are entirely focused on recouping your financial losses based on everything from diminished income to accident-related expenses. Some of the most common examples of economic damages include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repair costs
Each of these types of damages have an exact dollar value. Using documentary evidence like receipts or paid bills could establish the exact amount of compensation needed to return you to your original financial position.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages exist to compensate you for the immeasurable harm that can come with a truck crash. These damages are for the emotional and physical hardships that cannot easily be quantified. Some common examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
Because these damages are subjective, there is no form of documentary evidence that could be used to establish what your non-economic damages are worth. Generally, your attorney must use witness testimony to show how your injuries have impacted your life.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving West Lafayette, call 800-333-9999
Who Can I Sue After a West Lafayette Truck Accident?
When your attorney reviews the facts of your case, they could conclude that there are multiple parties responsible for causing the truck accident. While most people assume the truck driver was at fault, they might be only one of the individuals to blame for the crash.
There are even situations where you might have a viable case against parties who were not present at the scene of the accident. Possible liable parties in a truck accident case include:
Truck Drivers
The most common culprit in a truck accident is the operator of the commercial vehicle. Commercial truck drivers are human, and most accidents occur due to human error. These drivers can cause crashes for a variety of reasons, including driving while fatigued or speeding.
Trucking Companies
The employers of negligent truck drivers frequently face liability after an accident. Trucking companies can be held liable for the actions of their employees thanks to a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior. In order for this doctrine to apply, the driver must have been operating within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash.
Employers could be on the hook for your damages under other circumstances. In some cases, the negligence of the trucking company could be to blame. Companies that negligently hire dangerous drivers or fail to ensure their vehicles are in safe, working order could face liability after a crash.
Manufacturers
Some truck accidents are unrelated to driver error. In these cases, an accident occurs due to a defect in the truck itself. When these defects occur, it could be possible to seek financial compensation from the maker of the vehicle or vehicle part.
Compensation in these cases could be possible, but the process of suing a truck manufacturer after an accident can be challenging. Your attorney could provide the experience necessary to fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
If you intend to file a lawsuit, don’t wait. You typically have two years from the date of your accident to sue the liable party, per IC § 34-11-2-4.
West Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Are Affordable
There is a common misconception that personal injury lawyers are expensive or unaffordable. If you are dealing with financial strain due to your injuries, it is important to understand that you still have options for pursuing a civil lawsuit. Many firms, including ours, take truck accident injury cases without any upfront financial commitment. This is possible through a contingency fee system.
When lawyers handle your case on a contingency-fee basis, they do not charge you fees or costs directly. Instead, they keep a percentage of anything they collect on your behalf. There are several advantages to this approach. First, you never pay legal fees from your own pocket. Second, you can move forward with your case without any upfront payment.
Finally, if the attorney is unsuccessful, you will never owe any legal fees. Hiring a law firm on a contingency-fee basis could represent your best chance for fair compensation following a truck accident.
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We Can Help You Seek the Compensation You Deserve in Tippecanoe County
Any collision with a commercial vehicle could change your life forever. Serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship are all possible outcomes. Although a monetary award cannot undo the trauma of an accident, it could provide you with the means to move forward with your life in a positive way.
The Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers team understands what is at stake in a truck accident case. Our team is ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation with a compassionate team member, call us today.
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