When you get struck by a big rig, it can turn your entire life upside down in an instant. Things get even worse when the trucking company, the insurance company, the driver, and other parties start passing the blame.
When an accident like this happens, it’s essential to understand what sort of compensation you may be entitled to, especially if it leaves you injured. Learn what damages you can get after a truck accident in Odessa, and find out how an experienced attorney like Attorney Robert White can help.
What Are Damages?
First, it’s important to understand the term “damages” in a legal sense. Damages refer to the compensation you are entitled to receive for the injuries you’ve suffered. There are two types of damages in a personal injury case: special damages and general damages.
Special Damages
Special damages, also known as economic losses, consist of things that are easy to value. These can include medical bills, lost wages, potential lost future earnings, repair or replacement of damaged property, and other items with a clear value. Note that medical bills include everything from doctor’s visits to medical procedures like surgery and physical therapy, mental health therapy, and even the need to hire assistive services to help with your daily care.
General Damages
General damages, also known as non-economic losses, can be equally devastating to you but tend to be more invisible and harder to value. They refer to things like disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, loss of ability to enjoy life, mood swings, depression, PTSD, and a loss of your ability to do the things you used to be able to do. Sometimes these are referred to collectively as “pain and suffering.”
General damages are usually (though not always) expressed as a multiplier of the special damages. Again, your semi-truck accident lawyer can help you figure out what your general damages might be worth.
What Damages Can I Get After a Truck Accident?
When you’re in an accident with a big truck, the injuries can be severe. In addition, trucks typically cause more significant damage than standard cars due to their sheer size and mass. Still, the types of damages you can receive for a truck accident are similar to those of a car accident, just on a larger scale. Since every case is different, it’s hard to say what damages you might be able to collect without an in-depth case review.
With that said, you can likely recover general or special damages after an accident that will cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- And more
How Do I Know Who’s At Fault?
Getting compensation for a truck accident can be tricky because it usually involves multiple parties, and each is held responsible for different things. The truck driver may well be at fault, but the trucking company they are driving for might also be to blame. If the cargo they were hauling wasn’t adequately secured and caused the truck to shift, the loading crew might be partially at fault. If the brakes fail, the manufacturer of the brakes and the maintenance crew might hold some responsibility.
In Texas, we operate with a “modified comparative fault” system, which means you can’t be more than 50% responsible for the accident to receive compensation. Because so many people may hold partial blame for your accident, it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate cases like yours.
Why You Need a Real West Texas Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a big truck in or near Odessa, you need real West Texas lawyers like Attorney Robert White and Attorney Greta Braker in your corner. They’re skilled, qualified, and experienced in truck accident cases. Call 432-580-5421 or fill out our online form to get your free case review today.
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