The trucking industry has no shortage of problems these days. A long-standing shortage of qualified drivers is only getting worse. A changing economy has made it harder than ever to recruit people willing to be away from their families for days at a time.
Perhaps most seriously, truck crashes have risen steadily for more than a decade now. Data collected by the National Safety Council shows that from 2010 to 2019, truck accident fatalities rose 36%.
Compensation for Injuries or Wrongful Death
Truck accidents tend to lead to more serious injuries and fatalities than other crashes. That is partly why trucking companies are required to carry larger insurance policies than ordinary motorists.
The severity of the injuries combined with better insurance coverage mean that compensation in lawsuits involving semi-trucks can often be larger than those involving passenger vehicles.
There is no set amount of compensation for an accident that is considered proper. The right compensation depends on many factors, and must take into account things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses
The negligence of the truck driver or trucking company, as well as any negligence by other drivers involved in the accident will also play a role in determining how much a truck accident victim deserves.
Nuclear Verdicts
The nature of trucking accidents has led to a rise in what some people call, “nuclear verdicts.” These verdicts are exceptionally large awards for victims of truck crashes.
Verdicts larger than $10 million are rare, but not unheard of when it comes to serious truck accidents.
In most cases, these large verdicts come from cases where the trucking company or other responsible party demonstrated a particular lack of care for the safety of others. Juries may be using these verdicts to express their outrage at an industry that is known for cutting corners when it comes to the safety of others.
Contact a Dallas Trucking Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the attorneys at Ted B. Lyon & Associates can help. Our Dallas lawyers have extensive experience in cases involving semi truck crashes. Call us today at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or contact us online to discuss your case in a free consultation.
