You were just involved in a devastating crash with a commercial truck on I-64. As the medical bills pile up and you miss work to recover from your injuries, you may be wondering how much compensation you can expect from a truck accident claim.
At Finney Injury Law, our experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyers understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious crash can take. While every case is unique, several key factors influence the potential value of your truck accident settlement or award.
Severity and Permanence of Your Injuries
The nature and extent of your injuries are perhaps the most significant factors in determining your truck accident case value. Claims involving catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities typically warrant higher compensation than those with minor injuries.
Factors that influence the value of your injuries include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Work with your doctors to fully document your injuries and understand your long-term prognosis. Your St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help you gather medical evidence to support your claim and maximize your compensation.
Liability and Fault Determination
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. If the truck driver or trucking company can shift some blame to you, it may significantly impact your case value.
For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20 percent. A skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer can help minimize the impact of comparative fault allegations on your case value by gathering strong evidence of the truck driver or company's liability.
Demonstrating the truck driver or company's clear liability often leads to higher settlements. Supporting evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Photos or video of the crash scene
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Driver logs and electronic data
- Results of drug and alcohol tests
An experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your crash to gather evidence and help prove liability.
The Role of Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your truck accident claim and help establish your case value. Some common types of experts include:
- Medical experts who can testify about the severity and permanence of your injuries
- Accident reconstruction specialists who can analyze the crash and provide evidence of fault
- Economic loss experts who can calculate your current and future financial losses
Your St. Louis truck accident lawyer will work with qualified experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Available Insurance Coverage
Commercial trucks typically carry much higher insurance limits than standard passenger vehicles due to their potential for causing devastating damage. However, even multi-million-dollar policies can be inadequate to fully compensate multiple victims in a catastrophic crash.
Identifying all possible sources of insurance coverage is key to maximizing your compensation. In addition to the trucking company's primary liability policy, your lawyer may uncover coverage through:
- The truck driver's individual policy
- Umbrella or excess liability policies
- Your own underinsured motorist coverage
- Policies covering other liable parties, such as truck manufacturers or cargo loaders
Your Own Personal Characteristics
Believe it or not, your individual traits can influence your case value in the eyes of a jury. Insurance companies often consider factors like:
- Age and overall health before the accident
- Occupation and earning potential
- Family responsibilities
- Likability as a potential witness
While these factors may seem irrelevant, they can subtly impact how claims adjusters and juries perceive your losses. An experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer can present your unique circumstances in the most compelling light.
Strength of Your Legal Representation
Insurance companies keep tabs on attorneys' reputations and past case results. They're often more willing to offer fair settlements when they know a skilled trial attorney with a track record of success in truck accident litigation represents you.
At Finney Injury Law, we have a reputation for aggressively advocating for crash victims both in and out of the courtroom. When you trust our St. Louis truck accident lawyers to handle your case, insurance adjusters know we mean business.
No two truck accident claims are alike. The best way to understand what your case may be worth is through a personalized consultation with our knowledgeable St. Louis truck accident lawyers. We'll discuss the unique circumstances surrounding your crash and give you an honest assessment of your claim's potential value.