Car accidents are always scary and overwhelming, but accidents involving 18 wheelers are especially terrifying for everyone involved. Because of their massive size and weight, commercial vehicles cause massive harm when they collide with smaller and lighter passenger vehicles. Each year, half a million 18 wheeler accidents occur in the United States, resulting in an estimated 5,000 fatalities and thousands of serious injuries annually. If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident in Big Spring, Texas, you may be wondering how to choose an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Big Spring, Texas, or how your damages will be calculated. Fortunately, we’ve compiled an overview of what you need to know about your trucking injury claim in Big Spring, according to a top Big Spring trucking accident attorney.
Calculating Your DamagesIf you’re considering filing a trucking accident claim, you may be wondering how your damages will be calculated. Although it’s true that only a qualified Big Spring injury attorney can give you an accurate estimate of your claim value, there are a few formulas you can use to get an idea of what your case may be worth.
If you’re looking to obtain a rough estimate of your settlement’s value before you consult a Big Spring truck injury lawyer, then add together the following:
1. Medical Expenses Related to the Wreck
Add up the cost for all of your medical bills. This includes emergency room visits, ambulance transportation costs, follow up appointments, physical therapy bills, prescription medication costs, or surgery costs.
2. Future Medical Expenses
If your wreck resulted in injuries that will require ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy appointments, future surgeries, medications, or any other medical care, estimate the cost of this care, and add this number to your medical expenses.
3. Vehicle (Property) Damage
If you collided with an 18 wheeler, it’s likely that your car is severely damaged and potentially totaled. Add the cost of professional vehicle repair—or the cost of replacing your vehicle entirely—to your medical expenses.
4. Lost Income
If you missed work due to your injuries, add the amount of lost wages to the above amounts. If you are now out of work, also include an estimate of future lost income.
5. Pain and Suffering
This type of damage—which is considered non-economic—is the hardest to estimate, and you will likely need to consult an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Big Spring, Texas to get an accurate amount. However, for a rough estimate, multiply your total from numbers 1-4 by a number between 1.5 and 5 (use a lower multiplier if your wreck was less severe).
Commercial Truck Accident Lawsuits are Complex & Require Specialized LawyersCommercial vehicle accident cases are more complicated than other types of car accident claims. In order to win your case, your lawyer will need to be well-versed in trucking industry regulations in Texas. Most trucking companies are part of a multi-million dollar industry, and these companies employ massive legal teams to help them avoid paying out large settlements in the event of a wreck. If you want to ensure that you receive fair compensation from one of these trucking companies, you’ll need a Big Spring trucking accident attorney who is an expert in handling and winning commercial vehicle wrecks.
You should choose an attorney who comes recommended from several satisfied clients and who has a large enough firm to take on a trucking company. Finally, you’ll need a lawyer who is compassionate, professional, and someone who you can trust. At Carabin Shaw, we meet all these criteria and more.
Ready to Consult With A Knowledgeable Big Spring Truck Injury Lawyer? Call an Attorney TodayIf you’re ready to take the next step, our attorneys are ready to take your call. Our Carabin Shaw attorneys serving Big Spring, Texas want to help you get and justice after your 18 wheeler wreck. To find out how we can help, call us today at (432) 620-0544 to receive a free consultation with an 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Big Spring, Texas. Let us help you get your life back on track.