What Happens When a Truck Driver Has a Fatal Car Accident

Any truck accident, big or small, is a traumatic experience. Semi-trucks and other large trucks exponentially outweigh smaller vehicles and can cause a significant amount of damage. Unfortunately, a recent report revealed Texas as the deadliest state for truck accidents. In a recent year, 462 people died in 408 crashes. Thousands more suffered serious injuries as a result of an accident.

Along with the physical injuries that truck accidents can cause, serious accidents can affect your mental and emotional health. These injuries can leave just as much of an effect on your day-to-day life. The state recognizes the seriousness of these issues and allows victims to seek compensation for these injuries. If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, contact an experienced truck accident attorney for more information.

What Is Pain and Suffering?

When an insurance company considers the value of a truck accident case, they look at two main components; economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include any costs you can put an exact value on. This could include medical costs, lost wages, and home modification costs. Non-economic costs, on the other hand, are more variable. These costs relate to damages that you cannot put a price on. Often, you will hear non-economic damages referred to as pain and suffering. Examples of pain and suffering include:

Mental Anguish and Distress

It is normal to go through a wide range of emotions after an accident. Feelings like fear, anger, and sadness are common. But when these feelings do not go away, there may be a deeper issue. PTSD, depression, and anxiety can occur after a motor vehicle accident. When this happens, it is important to include these injuries in your truck accident case. While these injuries are more commonly associated with serious collisions, they could occur after any accident. Mental health issues are serious. If you are having difficulty after an accident, it is important to seek help. Signs you should see a doctor include:

• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Sleep changes
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Constant worry
• Nightmares or flashbacks

Physical Pain

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries. These injuries can result in pain that never fully goes away. Pain can present in many different ways, and it can interfere with everything from your job to your ability to do the things you love. This is not something to take lightly. When you suffer pain after an accident, you deserve compensation for your loss.

Loss of Companionship

Truck accidents do not just affect the victim. Often, the consequences of these accidents extend to the victim’s loved ones as well. While the loss of companionship often refers to the loss of a loved one through death, it can also include loss that occurs as the result of a serious injury.

Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are two of the most common injuries after a serious truck accident. A traumatic brain injury can result in mood changes, loss of memory, or difficulty speaking. A spinal cord injury can affect the victim’s ability to take care of themself or provide for their family. These things affect relationships and can have a traumatic effect on the victim and their family. Loss of companionship may include:

• Loss of guidance or support
• Loss of affection
• Loss of a sexual relationship

Only family members of the victim can file a claim for loss of companionship. If your loved one has suffered a serious injury after an accident, contact an experienced truck accident attorney.

How Much Will I Receive for My Pain and Suffering?

Unlike economic damages, pain and suffering injuries are extremely difficult to quantify. Insurance companies do not know you. As such, it may be difficult for them to recognize the pain you have experienced. Further, these companies prioritize profits. For cases that involve extreme pain and suffering, the best option may be to take your case in front of a jury.

While pain and suffering awards are variable, there are a few factors that both the insurance company and your attorney may use to come up with an appropriate value. This includes:

• The extent of your injuries: For more serious injuries, such as those that result in death or disability, the insurance company often has no choice but to recognize the seriousness of your claim. The insurance adjuster may also consider whether you have a diagnosis and if you are receiving treatment.
• The effect on your day-to-day life: To what degree do your injuries interfere with your daily activities? Does your depression prevent you from going to work? Has your accident affected your relationships?
• How long your injuries are expected to last: Some injuries may get better or go away with treatment. Others may persist for the rest of your life. For permanent injuries, the insurance company or jury will likely consider a larger pain and suffering award.

How Can I Prove Pain and Suffering After a Truck Accident?

Unlike physical injuries, pain and suffering can be more difficult to prove, but not impossible. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you gather evidence and build your case. There are many tools your attorney can use to prove your case.

This may include:

• Medical records
• Statements from friends and family
• Employment records
• Expert testimony
• Your personal statement

Stand up for Your Rights. Fight for What You Deserve.

Pain and suffering can affect you just as much as physical injuries. Do not let anyone tell you that your injuries do not matter. After an accident, you need someone by your side who will listen to you and help you fight for what you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. To learn more or to get started on your truck accident case, contact an experienced truck accident attorney today.