Newton, MA Truck Accident Lawyer
Victims of crashes involving large trucks regularly suffer severe injuries that produce physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Thankfully, in certain cases, at fault parties may be sued for the truck accidents they cause. However, plaintiffs’ routes to payment can be complicated.
If you file a truck accident lawsuit, then the defendant will likely utilize various strategies to dispute crucial elements of your claim. You may need to gather copious amounts of evidence to support your claim and defeat the defendant’s arguments. Accordingly, support from competent legal representation can be highly valuable when fighting for the payment you are owed.
In the aftermath of your truck accident in Newton, MA, seek guidance from our experienced truck accident lawyers at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407.
Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Newton
Multiple forms of monetary damages may be recovered by plaintiffs in truck accident lawsuits. During a free evaluation of your potential case, our truck accident attorneys can determine which of the following may be sought:
Medical Bills
First, you can obtain payment for any medical bills that you incur because of your truck accident injuries. This includes the cost of all prior, current, and future medical expenses related to the harm you sustained. As an example, after suffering a truck accident, you may acquire compensation for the cost of your ambulance ride, hospital bills, surgical operations, prescription medication, and physical therapy.
These damages will generally be established using victims’ medical records. Therefore, it is imperative that you see a physician quickly after suffering a truck accident. If you fail to obtain documentation for your injuries before they heal, then the path to a settlement may become more complex.
Lost Wages
If you are forced to spend time away from work while recovering from your truck accident injuries, then you may also pursue financial compensation for the lost wages you incurred. These damages will typically be established using plaintiffs’ average weekly wages.
Further, if your injuries prevent you from working in the future, then you may acquire payment for your diminished earning capacity. Still, supporting a claim for lost future income can be a complicated process. Support from the team at our firm can be highly beneficial when seeking such damages in your case.
Property Damage
Property damage is another form of compensation that may be awarded to plaintiffs in truck accident lawsuits. For example, if your vehicle was damaged as a result of your truck accident, then you may obtain payment for the cost of its repair or replacement.
It may be helpful to take photos of your damaged vehicle in the aftermath of your accident if you can. The defendant in your case may argue that certain property damage is actually related to some subsequent accident, as opposed to the truck accident at issue. In that instance, photos from the scene of your accident could be presented to prove the property damage you sustained.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to recovering payment for financial losses, there are multiple forms of non-economic damages that may be awarded to plaintiffs in truck accident cases.
First, you may obtain damages for the physical pain caused by your truck accident injuries. There are many types of injuries that can produce excruciating pain. For instance, burns, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and spinal cord damage can all be especially painful. If you suffered any of these injuries because of your truck accident, then you may be awarded substantial compensation.
Also, you may acquire monetary damages for the emotional suffering that stems from your truck accident injuries. There are many different ways that injuries can produce emotional distress. For example, someone with a brain injury may be unable to engage in social activities after their truck accident. Further, a victim who sustains a spinal cord injury may be prevented from participating in their favorite hobbies because of their crash. If your truck accident injuries produced emotional suffering, then our legal team can help fight for the payment you deserve.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You may pursue compensation for a wide range of out-of-pocket expenses related to your truck accident injuries. For instance, you may need to pay for help with transportation to and from your doctor’s appointments. Further, if you are a parent, you may need to pay for assistance with child care while your injuries heal. Either of these expenses could be included in your claim against the at-fault party.
Damages for out-of-pocket expenses are typically established using financial documents like receipts. Therefore, you should try to preserve receipts for any expenses you incur as a result of your truck accident injuries.
Punitive Damages
Finally, in rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. Rather than compensate a plaintiff for a loss, these damages intend to punish a defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future. However, they are only awarded in cases where defendants exhibit grossly negligent or intentional conduct. During your free case evaluation, the team at our firm can help determine if punitive damages may be available.
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Newton, MA
Several requirements must be adhered to when filing a truck accident lawsuit in Massachusetts. First, you must file your case in accordance with the time window set forth by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Generally, you will have three years from the date of your truck accident to bring your claim to court. Noncompliance with this deadline may cause your case to be dismissed.
Additionally, there are several other conditions that must be satisfied when bringing your truck accident case to court. For instance, you will have to file in the correct jurisdiction, pay filing fees, attach supporting documents, serve defendants, and make sure you file a complete claim. If any of the aforementioned requirements are not adhered to, then you may have to file your case again.
If You Need to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Newton, MA, Our Attorneys Can Help
Get assistance from our truck accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.
