Any vehicle accident has the unfortunate potential to end in tragedy. But when a car collides with a semitruck, that potential can be greatly amplified in Ohio. Statistics show an average of over 4,800 trucking accidents per year on Ohio roadways between 2020 and 2023, with an average of over 2,100 injuries and over 150 fatalities annually.
If you’re injured in an accident with a big rig, you might wonder how you’ll cover associated expenses and losses, which can be significant. Take a closer look at the types of damages you may be able to recover after a trucking accident and how to calculate them.
Start With Medical Bills and Rehabilitation Costs
Often, the most notable cost associated with injury is medical bills. Depending on the injuries you sustain in the accident, you may need emergency medical treatment, which could include tests, surgeries, and other treatments. You need to keep records of every related medical expense to provide as part of your compensation claim.
What about future medical bills and ongoing care like rehabilitation? Your team of medical professionals can help you to estimate the scope and potential cost of ongoing care. Once you get a payout, there’s no going back, so you want to make sure you’re covered for future medical expenses.
Document Lost Wages
If your injuries are severe enough to keep you from working, you might find yourself dealing not only with medical bills, but other living expenses you can’t pay without your regular income as well. You’ll need to provide proof of your income, including wages and extras like overtime pay and annual bonuses.
With this information, you can calculate the income you’ve lost due to an inability to work caused by the accident. You’ll also want to calculate what you stand to lose based on your predicted recovery and how long before you can return to work.
Consider Compensation for Non-Economic Losses
Medical bills and lost wages constitute easily quantifiable economic damages. But Ohio law also allows for claims of non-economic damages in cases of injury or loss resulting from the wrongful actions of others. Such claims could include pain and suffering, disfigurement, and mental anguish.
The loss of any of the following may also be covered by non-economic damages:
- Society
- Consortium
- Companionship
- Care
- Assistance
- Attention
- Protection
- Advice
- Guidance
- Counsel
- Instruction
- Training
- Education
Many aspects of the loss of a loved one in an accident would fall under this category. Because non-economic damages aren’t easily quantifiable, the dollar amount assigned to them can vary widely.
A Personal Injury Lawyer’s Help Is Vital in Ohio
Insurance companies have far more resources than the average person, which means that they can drag out the settlement process for months or years with delays and denials. They want you to take a lowball settlement or simply give up.
When you’re facing a mountain of medical bills and other damages following a trucking accident in Ohio, having a qualified and compassionate attorney from a women-led personal injury law firm in your corner can ensure you have the guidance and support you need to go the distance.
