Truck accidents in West Virginia can have devastating consequences for those involved. Even if the accident involves just one vehicle, the complexity of a truck accident claim is often significant. The magnitude of a claim depends on the number of parties involved and their roles in the event. Therefore, various factors must be considered when making a claim. Understanding each party’s role is essential to obtaining compensation for your losses.
The process of filing a truck accident claim
The first step in filing a truck accident claim is to gather all the necessary documentation. This includes the police report, medical bills, and other evidence supporting your claim.
Next, you must write a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter should outline the facts of the accident and state how much money you are requesting.
Once the insurance company receives your demand letter, they will investigate the accident and decide whether to pay your claim. If they deny your claim, you can appeal their decision.
Types of damages in a truck accident claim
Many different types of damages can be included in a truck accident claim. These include the following:
Property damage
This includes damage to the vehicle itself and any property damaged in the accident (such as a fence or guardrail).
Personal injury
This covers any semi truck & 18-wheeler accident injuries that were sustained, including medical bills and lost wages.
Pain and suffering
This is non-economic damages that can be awarded for the physical and emotional anguish caused by the accident.
Punitive damages
These are designed to punish the at-fault party for negligence and are only awarded in rare cases.
Truck accidents can be costly
Accidents involving trucks can be severe, often resulting in injuries or even fatalities. In addition to the human cost, these accidents also have a significant financial impact, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.