3 FAQs About Truck Accident Head Injury Lawsuits

It goes without saying that a crash involving a semi-truck is likely to cause serious injuries. While such an accident could damage any part of the body, very few injuries can disrupt a person’s life as profoundly as brain trauma.

Even minor brain damage can have a major impact on the victim’s relationships, career, and general wellbeing. If you or someone you love is recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) following a large truck crash, you may be wondering how to hold the liable party financially accountable for the resulting medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Read on to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these cases:

1. Who Could Be Liable for My Head Injury?

If you sustained a head injury in a truck accident, there are several parties who may be liable for the resulting damages. Examples include:

The trucker;
The motor carrier;
Another motorist;
The motor carrier’s maintenance contractor;
The motor carrier’s cargo loading contractor;
The manufacturer of the truck, its tires, or one of its parts; and
The municipality.

2. What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue by Filing a Head Injury Claim?

The direct and indirect costs associated with a TBI can add up quickly. If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for all resulting economic and non-economic damages.

In the state of Florida, truck accident victims who are seriously injured have the right to pursue the following damages:

Healthcare Expenses: Medical costs can add up to a small fortune within just a few days of a large truck crash. Your personal injury claim can account for emergency care, ongoing rehabilitation, surgeries, and any procedures you are reasonably certain to need in the future as a result of the accident.

Lost Income: If you’re unable to work while recovering, you can seek compensation for lost wages. If the TBI is so severe that it prevents you from returning to work at all, you may also seek funds for lost benefits and loss of future earnings.

Other Economic Damages: The costs of services like home care, child care, alternative transportation, and domestic help may be recoverable. Claimants can also seek funds for modifying their home and/or vehicle to accommodate any new disabilities.

Non-Economic Damages: Florida law allows personal injury claimants to pursue compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.

3. How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?

It can take several months to well over a year for a brain injury victim to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Your attorney might advise you to put off the settlement negotiations until you reach MMI in order to arrive at the most accurate figure for medical costs.

Any disputes that arise could also affect the duration of the proceedings. A skilled brain injury lawyer can help you avoid critical errors that might cause the insurance company to challenge your claim.

Call 772-266-5555 for a Free Consultation with a Florida Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love sustained a TBI in a truck accident, contact Donaldson & Weston to determine the most strategic way to proceed. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a catastrophic injury can take on the entire family. We will passionately fight for the compensation you need to move on with life. Call 772-266-5555 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Florida.