Everyone knows to try to avoid large trucks while driving smaller passenger vehicles. These massive trucks are difficult to handle, which is why only skilled drivers are allowed to drive them. Despite their best efforts, truck accidents are common. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, there are approximately 5,000 fatalities and 120,000 injuries caused by truck accidents every year. Your truck accident was one of many, and you will not be alone in filing a lawsuit.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, you may be able to take legal action against the truck driver and/or the company that owns the truck. Every case is different, which is why consulting a Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can be a wise first step. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 430-1030 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
Determining Liability in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often confuse victims when they are trying to determine the liability in their case. Just like other vehicle accidents, the driver—in this case, the truck driver—is the first person who is usually considered in terms of responsibility and liability. In many cases, this is the person who will be held liable for any expenses. However, there are cases where trucking companies and even government agencies can be held liable as well.
Because most trucks are owned and operated by either a company or a government agency, they are responsible for specific issues regarding how their trucks are managed. For example, companies that own trucks are responsible for vehicle maintenance. If the company did not keep the truck in good working order, the company can be held liable for any damages caused by the lack of maintenance. In short, the company is not always held liable for the truck accident, but it can be under specific circumstances.
Companies and truck drivers have liability insurance in case accidents happen, which means that an insurance company will likely be involved in the process of trying to settle your lawsuit. A Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can work directly with the insurance company to reach a settlement. If the insurance company offers a settlement agreement, a lawyer can help you understand if you should accept it or renegotiate. It is in your best interest to review any settlement offers with a lawyer prior to accepting it. The team of Salt Lake City truck accident lawyers with Ben Crump Law, PLLC is ready to help. Contact us today for a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Salt Lake City, call (844) 430-1030
Insurance Settlement Agreements
Being offered an insurance settlement after an accident is common—this is how insurance companies usually handle claims. You are not obligated to accept a settlement agreement, but it can work out in your favor under specific circumstances.
One of the biggest dilemmas for accident victims who file a lawsuit is that it can take a long time to go to trial. The stress of waiting combined with growing financial issues can be a problem. A settlement agreement is typically a faster way of resolving the case and collecting compensation. A Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to get you the compensation you need in exchange for a quick end to the lawsuit. Both parties can potentially benefit from this arrangement.
But before you accept a settlement agreement, you should work with a lawyer to determine exactly how much compensation you need. One common mistake is not including the cost of long-term recovery services such as follow-up medical care or physical therapy. These costs can build up over time and may not be covered by health insurance plans because they are considered specialist care. A Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can calculate your long-term compensation needs, so you do not find yourself in a position where you accept compensation that is not enough to cover your expenses.
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Statute of Limitations
Truck accidents can be particularly devastating in terms of damage and related expenses, which is why many victims decide to take legal action for the compensation they deserve.
Lawsuits involving city truck accidents are handled slightly differently than other types of vehicle accidents. According to the Utah Courts, you would normally have four years to file for personal injury expenses and three years to file for property damage expenses. However, being involved in an accident with a city vehicle shortens that amount of time significantly. You only have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the city, or you may miss your opportunity to collect financial compensation.
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Types of Compensation
The compensation that you can collect after a truck accident depends on the circumstances of your accident. There are several different types of compensation that you may be able to pursue, including:
- Medical expenses: This can include emergency medical transport, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, medical devices or equipment, ongoing medical care, and more.
- Lost wages: Missing work for a period of time after your accident means that you might not be paid for the time that you missed. You can claim these lost wages in your lawsuit.
- Property damage: Damage to your personal property, such as your car, cell phone, or other items that you had in your vehicle, can be claimed under the property damage statute.
- Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is usually reserved for cases with a strong emotional or mental impact on the victim. The amount that you are awarded is calculated by several available methods that usually take the awards you receive from other types of compensation and multiply this several times to get the final number.
There may be other types of compensation that you can claim that are not covered on this list. A Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can help identify and document any expenses related to your injuries and your recovery—all of which can be claimed using the various claim statutes available under civil law.
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If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, you may be able to take legal action to recover financial compensation for your expenses and other losses. Working with a Salt Lake City truck accident lawyer can help ensure that you know all your legal options.
To learn more, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 430-1030 for a free consultation with a member of our team.
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