What Kind of Damages Can I Pursue from a Truck Accident?
A truck accident can disrupt your life by causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and property damage. You may be eligible to pursue financial compensation, also known as damages, although this may only provide a modicum of relief.
Knowing the specific information about truck accident damage laws in Virginia can help you understand how much your claim is worth and what could constitute an adequate settlement. Otherwise, the insurance company may try to take advantage of you and make a lowball offer.
If you are looking to pursue compensation for your truck accident, our team at Geoff McDonald & Associates in Richmond, VA, can help. Call 804-409-0821 or fill out our online form to book a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers.
Types of Damages in Virginia Truck Accidents
The exact amount you can claim will depend on the type and extent of your losses. You must also show evidence to prove any injuries, property damage, or financial loss. Generally, the following truck accident damages are available in Virginia:
Medical Costs
These include all past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including:
- Ambulance costs
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Medical devices
- Physical therapy
- Mental health therapy
- Home health care
- Modifications to your home
- Lab tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests
Property Damage
When they first come to our office at Geoff McDonald & Associates, our clients usually know that property damage includes the costs to repair or replace their vehicle and other damaged property. However, not many people realize that they can also seek compensation for related out-of-pocket expenses like towing or car rental.
Lost Wages
You can seek reimbursement not just for the time you were off work but also for lost sick and vacation time, bonuses, and other job perks. If you develop a chronic condition or permanent disability that makes it harder for you to work, you may also be able to claim damages for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that can compensate you for the physical pain and emotional suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident. It can be hard to put a dollar value on such subjective experiences, but the truck accident attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates know how to evaluate this portion of your claim.
Examples of pain and suffering damages include:
- Anger
- Depression
- Grief
- Anxiety
- Inconvenience
- Disfigurement
- Physical pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of quality of life
- Embarrassment, humiliation, or indignity
Wrongful Death
If a close family member died in a truck accident, you might be able to seek compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses the victim incurred before their death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Your pain and suffering
- The loss of your loved one’s companionship and financial support
- Punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer in very specific circumstances
Should You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident law is complicated. Unlike “regular” car crashes, truck accidents involve big trucking companies and complex insurance structures. To further complicate things, sometimes multiple vehicles and truck drivers are involved.
One of the more challenging parts of the process is determining the type and amount of damages you can seek. If you don’t do this right, you risk ending up with an inadequate settlement.
You shouldn’t navigate Virginia’s legal system alone. Our experienced truck accident attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates can examine your case and help you determine the compensation you should seek.
To learn more about truck accident damages and explore your options, call us or fill out our online form to book a free consultation.