Hit by a Truck in Long Island? Here’s What You May Be Entitled To
New York State records about 10,000 truck accidents annually. Many truck collisions happen on Long Island’s highway, and the majority of victims include small vehicle owners. In 2022, 32% of these truck accidents resulted in severe injuries. During such incidents, at-fault commercial truck companies are liable to pay the affected parties.
A truck accident case can involve multiple at-fault parties, making the process long and complex, which can burden victims. By hiring a Long Island truck accident lawyer, victims can prove their eligibility for a settlement.
The following article sheds light on what you may be entitled to as a truck accident victim. Read on for more details.
Factors Affecting Compensation in Long Island Truck Accidents
Your total compensation depends on the following factors:
- The severity of injuries.
- Insurance cover limit.
- The degree of negligence by at fault individuals.
- Type of insurance claim: Long Island follows New York State’s no-fault and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverages. The two influence the type of settlement for truck accident victims.
Here are more details on the two types of coverage:
No-Fault Insurance Coverage
Regardless of who is in the wrong, the no-fault coverage requires truck accident victims to get compensation from their respective vehicle insurance companies.
It’s a good option if you’re partially at fault, helping to eliminate the need for lengthy trial processes. However, the cover limits your compensation.
Here is what you’re entitled to under the no-fault insurance:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages. Only offered if unable to work after a truck accident.
- Compensation for replacement services, such as a housemaid.
- Funeral expenses if someone lost their life in the accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Like no-fault coverage, PIP directs claims to a victim’s personal car insurance. However, it offers compensation for extreme damages.
Here are situations when a PIP covers victims:
- When you’ve sustained a long-term mental or physical injury.
- If you have difficulty handling daily tasks after the truck accident.
Therefore, your injuries determine who will pay your compensation and respective damages. Nonetheless, Long Island’s jurisdiction allows victims to forward claims to third-party insurance or at-fault parties.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Typically, victims are eligible for compensation from all insurance providers and at-fault parties in a truck accident. A credible Long Island lawyer helps maximize your reward and avoid foul play from liable parties.
Here’s an in-depth look at what you’re entitled to after a commercial truck accident:
Medical Bills
A truck’s size often leads to severe injuries, some requiring a lengthy recovery period. Victims are left to struggle with excess medical bills. A credible attorney helps acquire comprehensive compensation for the following expenses:
- Ambulance charges.
- Rehabilitation fees. It can be a requirement in the long term.
- Surgeries.
- Medication expenses.
- Ongoing medical care.
Lost Income
A truck accident can lead to a job or salary loss for a particular period of time. The liable individual or company should pay for wages missed during recovery. If you cannot return to work, your lawyer can negotiate monthly compensation. The amount depends on your needs and initial income.
Property/Asset Damages
The at-fault party or insurance company should cover repairs or a new car purchase. A good lawyer should also help negotiate for a new car before the final settlement calculations or the end of the trial process.
Conclusion
Therefore, you’re entitled to various compensations after a Long Island truck accident. However, different regulations like PIP and no-fault insurance can influence your type of compensation and the total you’ll receive. Involving a credible Long Island lawyer will help you get the most from your accident claim.
