Truck accidents can lead to significant injury. Following a truck accident, you may be left with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional harm. To recover compensation for your injuries, you can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver. A skilled Indiana personal injury attorney can help you create the strongest possible claim for recovery.
For example, a recent Indiana truck accident killed one passenger. The fatal accident occurred at an intersection and involved a pickup truck and a semi-truck. According to local officers, the pickup truck was sitting at the intersection’s red light when the semi-rear ended it, sending both trucks into a ditch. Sadly, a passenger inside the pickup truck died in the crash. The pickup truck driver was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
How Does a Jury Determine Truck Accident Damages Awards?
If a truck accident case goes to trial, a jury will determine the appropriate damages award owed to the injured plaintiff. Even if a case does not go to trial, plaintiffs must assert a damages amount in settlement negotiations that they believe will fairly compensate for their injuries. The amount of compensatory damages a plaintiff receives will depend on a number of factors. One major consideration is the medical expenses a plaintiff incurred as a result of the accident. After a truck accident, an injured plaintiff may have to pay hospital bills, surgery expenses, medication costs, or physical therapy bills. A damages award will often include these medical expenses. Accordingly, a plaintiff with severe injuries or who incurred higher expenses may receive a higher damages award. A physician who treated the plaintiff may be able to provide information about the plaintiff’s expected future medical expenses.