Dump trucks are used throughout Arkansas, for all different purposes. Drivers and pedestrians often see these large trucks transporting construction materials, coal, garbage, and all sorts of cargo. While these types of trucks come in different sizes, they are designed to tip upwards to unload or dump their contents. When someone is injured by one of these massive vehicles or the unloaded material, they want to know what type of settlement they could receive.
In any personal injury case, including those involving dump trucks, you need to prove another party was negligent before receiving any compensation. If you have evidence that supports another party caused your injury, you could receive monetary damages. However, because of the many factors used to determine your damages, it is difficult to estimate an average settlement amount.
Our Arkansas truck accident attorneys have over two decades of experience valuing and proving damages resulting from an accident. To discuss what your settlement could be, call Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438.
Dump Truck Accidents in Arkansas
No matter what cargo or materials a dump truck is hauling, an accident often results in severe and catastrophic injuries. One reason for this is simply the size and weight of these massive vehicles. A three-axle dump truck could weigh up to 66,000 pounds. When compared to a car, usually weighing approximately 3,000 pounds, it is easy to see the danger these vehicles pose to others on the road. In addition to the weight, dump trucks are difficult to maneuver and have large blind spots that limit the driver’s vision.
If you are involved in a crash with a dump truck, it is critical to speak with one of our Benton County truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. In addition to building a negligence case against the at-fault driver, it is essential to begin gathering evidence to support your damages claim.
Factors in Determining a Settlement Amount for a Dump Truck Accident in Arkansas
Many factors are considered when determining a settlement amount after a dump truck accident. You should not rush to accept a settlement from an insurance company until all information and documentation are accumulated. You need to ensure all aspects of your claim are dealt with, including fault, the extent of your injuries, and the economic costs associated with the accident.
If you hope to receive a settlement or a jury award, you will have to have convincing evidence that you were not to blame for the accident. Our Arkansas personal injury lawyers will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work to build a case against the at-fault defendant or defendants. However, when evaluating a potential settlement or damages, there are specific factors that our office will consider.
Your Physical Injuries After a Dump Truck Accident in Arkansas
You do not want to agree to any settlement amount until you know the full extent of your injuries. Insurance companies often want accident victims to settle an accident claim early, before the full effects of their injuries are understood. In the days or even weeks following a severe injury, it might be impossible to know how your body will recover or what long-term consequences you could be facing. If your initial treatment is ineffective, you could require different, more intensive medical treatment or surgery. If you agreed to a settlement, you would be prohibited from seeking additional compensation.
You want to ensure that any settlement you receive or damages awarded are sufficient to cover your medical needs. Until you have been fully diagnosed and effective treatment is prescribed, you do not know if a settlement is fair. With severe injuries, a dump truck accident victim might have years of physical therapy to recover from the harm they suffered. Our Bella Vista personal injury lawyers have access to the resources and medical professionals to calculate the damages related to your physical injuries.
The Economic Costs of a Dump Truck Accident in Arkansas
The severity of your injuries will impact other factors related to determining if a settlement is fair.
Your medical costs are a substantial percentage of your economic losses. Medical expenses are costs related to your injuries and their treatment, including the cost of an ambulance ride, emergency room treatment, hospital stay, surgery, medication, diagnostic testing, and rehabilitation. A settlement should also cover your incidental costs, such as parking fees and more significant expenses, such as necessary modifications to your home or in-home healthcare.
Recovering from a severe injury usually does not include going to work every day. This means that, while you heal, you could be losing wages, bonuses, and other income. If you took vacation or sick time because you were injured, you deserve to be compensated. Furthermore, you deserve to recover all the income you have and will lose because of your injury. You never want to accept a quick settlement only to find you cannot return to work.
Non-Economic Costs Arising from an Arkansas Dump Truck Accident
While non-economic costs are more challenging to calculate, they are just as crucial in determining the appropriateness of a settlement offer.
Pain and suffering is a legal designation encompassing several factors that an accident victim could experience, including physical pain, disfigurement, anxiety, insomnia, fear, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A catastrophic dump truck accident often takes a significant emotional toll on a victim. In some cases, a person will experience fear daily. This condition could impact every facet of a person’s life, including their ability to travel, shop, and provide for their family.
Our Experienced Arkansas Dump Truck Accident Attorneys Will Evaluate Your Damages
If you are severely injured in a dump truck accident, you deserve to be compensated appropriately. Understanding what a fair settlement should be, requires our experienced Springdale truck accident attorneys. Only by knowing the full extent of your injuries and other damages are you able to determine whether a settlement is sufficient. Call Ken Keiklak at (479) 316-0438 to speak with an attorney committed to fighting for your rights.