What Is Considered Pain and Suffering in an Accident When a Semi Truck Is at Fault?

How to Pursue Justice for Your Loved One

Commercial truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods and materials safely and promptly. When a negligent truck driver causes a fatal accident, the impact is permanent and life-changing for those left behind. If you lost a close loved one due to a truck driver’s reckless actions, you may want to contact a wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Accident Investigation

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Texas is among the ten states involving high percentage rates of fatal truck accidents. The FMCSA reports that Texas and the other nine states represent 51 percent of fatal crashes involving one large truck or bus.

A car accident involving a semi-truck typically produces a police report. Responding law enforcement officers generally investigate by questioning witnesses, taking pictures of the accident scene, and determining liability if possible.

Some accident investigations may take time to determine who was at fault. Whether liability for your loved one’s death is clear or undetermined, a truck accident lawyer can help you.

The following types of information can help your lawyer pursue justice and possible compensation for your loss:

• Date, time, and location of the accident.
• Accident scene photos or videos from your smartphone or provided by a witness.
• Contact information for witnesses such as their telephone number.
• Reports and other information from law enforcement.

If the truck driver responsible for your loved one’s death faces criminal charges, a conviction may serve as a form of justice. However, criminal law differs from wrongful death law. A criminal conviction does not compensate you for the psychological, emotional, and financial damages you incur.

Each civil case is different, and your case’s outcome depends upon specific details of your accident. To prepare your case for a possible trial, a lawyer must review your information without delay. Missing the statute of limitations for filing your case may prevent you from pursuing the compensation you need and the justice your loved one deserves.

Wrongful Death Damages in Fatal Truck Accidents

A fatal truck accident that claims the life of a close loved one is a shock and can be devastating. The permanent loss you experience can place you in a financial bind without the income you need and the companionship you treasured.

Planning a funeral or memorial service for your loved one requires deciding how to pay for such services. Funeral costs typically range in the thousands, and this unexpected expense comes during a most stressful time. These costs are just part of the damages families suffer due to a fatal truck accident.

A wrongful death lawyer could help you pursue funeral costs and other related costs, such as:

• Final medical bills related to life-saving attempts for your loved one.
• Potential future income from your loved one.
• Loss of companionship due to your loss.
• Loss of inheritance.

Wrongful death cases generally involve two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Consult an attorney to dive into the complexity of these two potential types of compensation.

Economic damages relate to such costs as medical bills and funeral costs. Non-economic damages entail damages with harder-to-determine values, like the loss of companionship. No amount of money can replace your loved one. However, it could hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Wrongful death lawyers understand how to convey the value of your loss to insurance companies and juries. This type of experience can be invaluable when it comes to handling your case.

Legal Representation Protects Your Best Interests

A traumatic truck accident changes your life. The impact on your health, career, and family is often long-lasting. If you suffered serious harm or the loss of a close loved one due to a negligent truck driver, you may want to contact a lawyer today.

Insurance companies may appear eager to help you by offering you a settlement. Concern about your finances during this time is understandable. However, accepting a settlement offer without legal representation could significantly impact your life.

Accepting a settlement offer without legal representation can close your claim, leaving you with no further options. A truck accident lawyer can fight for a fair settlement on your behalf and take your case to trial if necessary.

Your loss and grief require your full attention. If your travels turned tragic due to negligence, give careful thought to contacting a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Hiring legal representation can not only help protect your best interests, but it can also help ease your mind. Your lawyer can keep you informed of your case’s status and stand by your side throughout the process.

If a close loved one lost their life due to a truck driver’s careless actions, you may have a legal case for compensation. While financial compensation can never replace your loved one, it could help relieve some of your stress.

The Statute of Limitations

To proceed with a wrongful death claim, you must file your case before the statute of limitations expires. Ensuring that the legal documents in your case meet court requirements is critical for moving forward.

A truck accident attorney could manage such important details on your behalf. Gathering evidence, reviewing reports, and preparing a case requires focusing on the details and investing time. The grieving process can leave you questioning what day it is as the weeks slip by. Before you know it, you could miss your window of opportunity for pursuing legal action forever.

Fatal Truck Accidents and Your Legal Options

Discussing your case with a wrongful death attorney is a proactive way to learn about your legal options. Wrongful death attorneys exhibit compassion and care when it comes to cases involving a tragic death. They are also aggressive when it comes to fighting for what their clients deserve.

Consider contacting a truck accident attorney today to learn more about your legal options. You have nothing to lose by scheduling a free case evaluation today.