The force of an 80,000-pound semi-truck slamming into your vehicle can leave you with devastating injuries and substantial financial losses. As the medical bills mount and you miss weeks of work, you may wonder how truck accident compensation works in Missouri.
At Finney Injury Law, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious crash can take. We help truck accident victims across Missouri fight for the full and fair compensation they deserve. While every case is unique, you may be entitled to recover damages for your losses.
Medical Expenses
Truck accident compensation for medical costs related to your injuries may include:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency room care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Medication
- Medical devices and equipment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Mental health treatment
- Modifications to your home or vehicle
You may also be entitled to compensation for anticipated future medical needs. For example, if you suffer a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage, you may require ongoing treatment or assistance with daily tasks. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers work closely with medical experts to calculate projected future expenses.
In addition to direct medical costs, you may be compensated for related expenses such as travel to medical appointments, parking fees, and any necessary accommodations during your recovery. Keep detailed records of all expenses related to your treatment to ensure you're fully compensated.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Potential
Severe truck accident injuries often require extensive time away from work. You may be compensated for the wages you lose during your recovery period. This includes your base salary and any bonuses, commissions, or other benefits you would have earned.
If your injuries result in permanent impairments that limit your ability to work, you may also be entitled to compensation for your reduced earning capacity over your lifetime. Factors such as your age, education, skills, and pre-injury earning history will be considered when calculating this loss.
Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers often work with vocational experts and economists to determine the full impact of your injuries on your earning potential. We fight to ensure you receive fair truck accident compensation for short-term and long-term financial consequences.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the truck accident, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs. You may also recover the value of any personal belongings damaged in the crash, such as electronics, clothing, or car seats.
In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for the diminished value of your vehicle, even if it's repaired. This accounts for the fact that a vehicle involved in a serious accident may have a lower resale value than a comparable vehicle with no accident history.
Pain and Suffering
Missouri law recognizes that the physical pain and emotional trauma of a truck accident deserve compensation. While placing a dollar figure on these intangible losses can be challenging, factors that may be considered include:
- The severity and duration of your pain
- The impact of your injuries on your ability to enjoy life
- Emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium with a spouse
Our experienced lawyers know how to document these non-economic losses to maximize your truck accident compensation. We may use pain journals, expert testimony, and statements from friends and family to demonstrate how your injuries have impacted your life.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Mental anguish of surviving family members
Losing a family member in a sudden, preventable accident is an immeasurable loss. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, securing compensation can provide a measure of justice and financial stability as you grieve and try to move forward.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the truck driver or trucking company's actions were particularly reckless or egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.
Punitive damages might be available if:
- The truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The trucking company knowingly allowed an unqualified or unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle.
- Hours-of-service regulations were intentionally violated.
Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers can analyze the facts of your case to determine if a claim for punitive damages is appropriate.
Choose an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Determining the full value of your truck accident claim requires a thorough investigation and skilled legal analysis. The truck accident lawyers at Finney Injury Law have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case for maximum compensation. We're not afraid to take on trucking companies and their insurers to pursue the justice you deserve.