I Haven’t Been Able to Work Since My Car Was Hit by a Truck in Virginia. Can I Get Compensation for My Loss of Pay?

 

Yes, you can pursue lost wages as a part of a truck accident lawsuit. The days following a trucking accident can feel overwhelming as you deal with medical bills and communicating with your employer. You shouldn’t have to worry about bills and expenses after an accident you did not cause.

Read on to learn about your rights during a trucking accident and how to pursue compensation from negligent truck drivers or trucking companies.

 

Do I Sue the Truck Driver or the Company?

It depends. Some truck drivers are employees of the trucking company while others are independent contractors. If the truck driver is employed by the trucking company, you’ll likely sue the company. And if they are self-employed, you’ll sue the driver.

But other parties could be involved in a trucking accident. These parties can include:

• Truck part manufacturers in the case of a faulty part
• Mechanics who work on the trucks if maintenance was not adequate or performed correctly leading to the accident
• The company that owns the truck, as this might be different from the company that employs the driver
• The company that loaded the truck, as this party is responsible for keeping the load balanced to avoid accidents

Trucking accidents are far more complicated than regular car accidents since they require investigation and understanding of possible at-fault parties. Hiring a good attorney is essential to recovering lost wages and other financial damages in these cases.

 

What Other Types of Compensation Can I Claim?

In addition to lost wages, you can also claim several other economic and non-economic damages. These areas of compensation might include:

• Medical bills both current and future
• Future lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

To collect compensation in these areas, you must document your injuries and keep all relevant bills and paperwork related to your accident.

Proving lost wages or diminished earning capacity requires collecting information from your employer. You’ll need to prove your compensation and document your missed work to collect these financial damages.

 

When Will I Get My Compensation?

Truck accident victims receive compensation for their injuries in one of two ways. The first is a possible settlement with the trucking company or truck driver. This takes place with expert negotiation from your attorney with the other party involved. Settlements are preferable to taking the opposing side to court because they resolve far quicker than a court case.

However, sometimes the truck driver or the trucking company is not willing to negotiate. When this happens, you’ll need to file a lawsuit with the courts. These cases can take as long as a few years to resolve or just a few days. It all depends on your case circumstances.

You will get your compensation once we reach a settlement, or the courts reach a verdict in your case. In the meantime, do your best to keep up with medical bills and payments to avoid late fees. Open communication with your health care providers and your employer during this challenging time will help ensure the best possible outcome with as little strain on your finances as possible.

Hiring a skilled Virginia truck accident lawyer soon after the accident will help your case move quickly so you get your compensation as soon as possible. Geoff McDonald & Associates offers skilled attorneys ready to take on your case. Contact us now for a free consultation.