You can face an array of significant challenges in the aftermath of an automobile accident. These challenges can become even more significant if the accident involves a collision with a truck, particularly a big rig. The reality is that the consequences stemming from a car collision with a commercial truck can be profound.
As a result of an accident with a truck you may find yourself unable to return work. Indeed, there may be some degree of uncertainty as to the time at which you will be able to begin working again. There may even be discussion centering on whether or not you will be able to return to the same type of employment you enjoyed before your car was struck by a truck.
With all of this in mind, you ma have a number of questions arising from your accident. A key question very well may be whether you can get compensation for wages lost as a result of your accident.
Overview of Compensation in a Personal Injury Case
An automobile accident is classified as a personal injury case. As a result, there are certain types of compensation to which you may be entitled in a personal injury case. These include general damages, special damages, and punitive damages
General damages represent compensation awarded in a personal injury case for losses that are not easily quantifiable. The two prime examples of losses for which general damages or compensation may be available are pain and suffering as well as mental anguish and emotional distress.
Special damages represent compensation awarded in a personal injury matter for losses that are more readily quantifiable. Sometimes special damages are referred to as “actual losses.”
Examples of the types of losses for which special damages or compensation are available include medical bills and expenses as well as lost wages. The reality is that the wages you have lost as a result of your accident can fairly readily be calculated. These are losses for which you are entitled to compensation from the party at fault for causing the accident.
Future Lost Wages
As mentioned previously, due to the nature and extent of your injuries, you may not be able to return to work any time soon. You may not be able to bring in income. In the end, you may be precluded from engaging in the type of work you participated in before the accident.
In addition to compensation for your actual losses sustained to date, you are also entitled to seek financial recovery for losses you reasonably can be expected to encounter going forward into the future. These would include compensation for income you reasonably can be expected to lose in the future.
A skilled and experienced personal injury attorney has the ability and resources to assist you in making a compelling case for compensation for future lost wages. Indeed, a lawyer with a background in personal injury cases will have resources available to assist in making such a case for future lost wages. These resources can include witnesses who have a recognized expertise in the area of wages, compensation, and personal injuries. In addition, these experts can include physicians who can provide expert testimony about the nature and extent of your injuries, coupled with the long-term implications of those injuries.
Hire a Seasoned Personal Injury Attorney
Taking a proactive approach to engaging legal representation following an accident with a truck is important. Retaining an experienced personal injury lawyer places you in a stronger position to obtain the compensation you deserve in a personal injury case, including appropriate financial recovery for lost wages.
You should give serious consideration to retaining an attorney at the start of the claims settlement process with an insurance company. You need to bear in mind that insurance companies primarily exist to make money for their shareholders. Those profits increase when insurance companies decrease the amount of money paid out in claim settlements, including awards for lost wages following accidents.
The process of retaining an personal injury lawyer begins with an initial consult. During an initial appointment with a lawyer you will be provided an evaluation of your case. This will include a discussion of compensation issues, including strategies to be used to seek appropriate financial recovery in your case.
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