Commercial motor vehicles are a vital part of the US economy, moving a large percentage of America’s goods on a daily basis. However, these large trucks also can cause severe injuries to those who find themselves involved in a collision. Westlake Village truck accident settlements are vital if you or a loved one are injured in one of these devastating crashes.
A skilled truck accident attorney at our firm could provide essential guidance throughout your injury claim. Our proactive lawyers could help investigate the cause of the crash, establish liability, and demand the fair compensation you need to recover.
Damages Available After an 18-Wheeler Collision
Determining the value of a Westlake Village truck accident claim by identifying all damages is a critical step to pursuing a fair settlement. In California, injured parties can recover damages for both the financial and the non-financial losses they have incurred as a result of the wreck. The types of damages and the amount available will depend on the circumstances of each case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial costs and losses resulting from the accident. Examples of these damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Cost to repair or replace a vehicle
Future lost wages and future medical expenses may also be available.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the non-financial losses caused by the injury. This includes losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
These damages can be more difficult to prove and to calculate.
Proving Damages in a Truck Accident Settlement
In addition to identifying the injured party’s losses, proof of those damages is critical. Evidence of these losses can be vital to recovering a fair truck accident settlement in Westlake Village. Examples of supporting documentation that can help prove damages include:
- Photographs of the injuries and any property damage
- Medical records showing the injuries caused by the crash
- Receipts and bills showing expenditures related to the wreck
- Expert testimony explaining the seriousness of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life
In addition, the injured party will need to show that the truck company, truck driver, or another third party was to blame for the collision. Accident reconstructions, surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports can be critical to proving liability. An experienced attorney could utilize their investigative resources to determine liability and prove damages.
Steps to Take After a Truck Crash
In California, injured people generally only have two years to file a lawsuit. Therefore, swift action is essential after a tractor-trailer collision. Those involved in a crash with a heavy commercial vehicle will want to take steps to secure their safety and their rights to compensation.
Seeking immediate medical attention and reporting the accident to emergency services are critical first steps. If the person is able, they will also want to record the accident scene with photos and videos and document any damage and injuries. Injured parties will want to retain and give all recordings and documents related to the truck crash to their lawyer.
Working with a seasoned truck accident lawyer is often essential. Truck accident settlements in Westlake Village are complicated, requiring knowledgeable and skilled handling. A well-practiced attorney understands the steps to take to preserve a claim and pursue fair compensation.
Settle Your Truck Accident Claim With the Help of a Westlake Village Attorney
Collisions with large trucks leave devastation in their wake. If you or a loved one were injured, seeking compensation is critical to your recovery. Our team of capable legal professionals can help with Westlake Village truck accident settlements.
Understanding your options and what you are owed is essential after a truck crash. Our lawyers could help you pursue comprehensive compensation and fight for a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.