Maison Law helps truck accident victims in California by answering questions they have about the legal process. The main question many of our clients have is pretty simple: how much can they get in a claim for their injuries. Whether it’s a back injury or some other issue, truck accidents can be challenging. Our team can make sure you have a strong claim for damages relating to your back injury and know what to expect. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much is the Average Truck Accident Claim Worth for Back Injuries?
There’s no easy answer when it comes to the average truck accident claim in California, whether its relating to back injuries or anything else. Basically, every situation is different. While back injuries are some of the most common injuries, you might heal differently than other victims, or there may be different circumstances involved in your accident that’s going to influence the outcome.
Still, there are the key factors that impact the value of any truck accident claim involving back injuries:
- Medical costs – Back injuries often require costly treatments, including emergency care, imaging tests (like MRIs), physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, and sometimes surgery. If you need ongoing care or rehabilitation, those future costs are also included in your claim.
- Lost wages – If your back injury prevents you from working while you recover, you can ask for your lost wages. Severe injuries that limit your ability to work long-term may also entitle you to compensation for reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering – Back injuries can cause intense pain, limited mobility, and emotional distress. Damages for pain and suffering accounts for these impacts on your day-to-day life.
- Long-term impact – Back injuries can lead to chronic pain and even permanent disability, which is going to impact your everyday life. Your claim can include damages for this long-term impact.
- Impact on your relationships – Similarly, back injuries can strain relationships and affect your ability to connect with your loved ones. Some of your recovery may address the loss of companionship or changes in family dynamics.
- Property damage – Most likely, your vehicle and other belongings are going to be damaged in the accident, you can also recover damages for repair or replacement costs for these things.
- Punitive damages – If the truck driver or company acted with extreme negligence, such as driving under the influence or ignoring safety regulations, you might be awarded punitive damages as well.
- Shared responsibility – California’s “comparative negligence” rule means your damages could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you’re 10% responsible, your total award would be reduced by 10%.
Even though they can range wildly from one truck accident to the next, back injuries have the potential for causing pretty significant damage. The worse your injury is generally, the more your settlement will be. However, the fact remains that you have rights–but you still have to put together the strongest claim you can.
What Can You Do After a Truck Accident That Causes a Back Injury?
Any truck accident can cause serious back injuries, and what you do right after the crash can make a big difference in your health and your ability to put together a strong claim. Here’s what you need to do after one of these accidents –
- Call 911 and report the accident – Call 911 right away so an ambulance and the police can respond to the scene. They’ll give you medical care and create an official report of the accident, which is important for insurance claims and legal action.
- See a doctor – Even if your back feels okay at first, get checked by a doctor. Back injuries, like sprains or herniated discs, can get worse later. Medical records are also key evidence for your claim.
- Share information – Exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver and anyone else involved. Write down their names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details.
- Document the scene – Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the accident scene. Include the vehicles, any damage, your injuries, and anything else like skid marks or road signs that might help explain what happened.
- Save evidence – Don’t fix or throw away anything that was damaged, like your car or personal items. These things might be important for proving what happened.
- Keep track of everything – Keep track of all your medical appointments, treatments, medications, and any costs related to your injury. Also, make sure there’s records of how the injury impacts your daily life, work, and hobbies.
Taking these steps will help protect your health and make it easier to get the money you’re owed for your injuries and other losses. Focus on getting better, and let our team handle the legal side of things.
Contact Maison Law After a Truck Accident in California
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in California, Maison Law and our truck accident lawyers are here to help. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Explaining your options – Meet with us for free to talk about your case and find out your options. We’ll walk you through what needs to happen to get financial support for your injuries.
- Figuring out what your case is worth – We’ll look at all your costs–like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—and determine what you can and should get.
- Handling insurance companies – We’ll deal with the insurance companies, gather evidence, and manage your case so you can focus on healing.
Our goal is to get you the maximum settlement for your injuries and losses. With our help and guidance, you can rest assured that your rights will be taken care of. Contact us today to set up your free consultation and get started.