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Accidents involving big rigs are more severe than those involving ordinary cars. This is because of the large size and weight of these trucks. The truck industry in the United States is exponentially growing. There are 13.5 million trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds registered in the US. Around 140,000 to 165,000 semi-truck accidents are recorded annually in the country.
Filing a claim is more complicated in a semi-truck accident due to the numerous parties involved. However, big rig accident lawyers can help victims follow up on the case and get fair compensation.
This article will discuss the losses people may sustain after getting into an accident with a big rig.
Loss of Property
Your vehicle could suffer partial or total damage after an accident. Partial damage occurs when the vehicle’s repair cost doesn’t exceed 70% of its total value before the incident. Total damage is when the cost of restoring the car is more than 70%. Sometimes, it’s measured when the repairing cost exceeds the initial value.
Ensure that you get your vehicle appraised after an accident to spot all damages, including minor ones that are not so obvious.
You can also lose personal belongings such as clothes and electronics. This mainly applies to big-rig drivers who store valuables in the vehicle’s storage compartments.
Loss of Income
After an accident, victims need time to recover, which can take weeks, months, or even years. Every day spent away from work counts as lost wages.
Some victims are unable to return to the same line of duty after recovery due to the injuries sustained. Diminished earning capacity could affect your quality of life.
Medical Expenses
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the medical treatment for car accidents is roughly $15,000. Immediate expenses include emergency room visits, ambulances, and surgeries.
Afterward, ongoing medical costs could arise from rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medication. All these costs take a toll on the victims and their families’ finances, leading to loss of savings.
Loss of Physical Capability
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Big rigs carry up to 80,000 pounds while on the road. Therefore, any accident involving semi-trucks is dangerous because of the weight. Some examples of big rig accidents include:
- Rollover: If a semi-truck tips over to its roof or side
- Runaway: When a big rig starts rolling on its own and gains momentum
- Jackknife: Occurs after the trailer/load curves at an angle with the cab resembling the shape of a folded knife.
Victims may end up with broken bones, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injuries. This could result in long-term disabilities and pain. Some people suffer limited mobility and impaired body functions, which tamper with their physical capacity.
Loss of Life
Unfortunately, big rig accidents may result in fatalities. When this occurs, family and friends are left to cover large funeral expenses. There are the costs of holding memorial services, burial, cremation, embalming, and so much more.
Loss of life also creates an emotional toll for those left behind. The sudden death and grief, which sometimes require therapy, is overall a huge psychological and financial burden.
Strain in Personal Relationships
As mentioned, a severe big rig accident can lead to life-changing injuries. This leaves the victim unable to offer the same support, companionship, or affection to their spouse and family.
The trauma after an accident could affect a victim’s behavior, emotional well-being, and personality. Some people report going through long periods of depression as they adjust to the new normal. It leads to strained relationships with friends and those around them.
Conclusion
Victims of big rig accidents can sustain financial, physical, and emotional losses. They can lose their property, especially their cars, to a state beyond repair, spend a lot of money on medical expenses, and strain some relationships. It is important to hire an attorney to help navigate the legal procedures and secure a good settlement.
