Accidents involving commercial trucks are rarely minor. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles and the dangerous cargo that is often being transported, severe injuries and fatalities are common in these types of accidents. Losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident can turn your life upside down and leave you searching for answers.
At Tulsa Truck Accident Lawyer, we know how difficult the unexpected loss of a loved one can be. We also know that recovering compensation from the liable party probably isn’t where your mind is focused. However, collecting damages can be essential, especially when the deceased was the primary earner for your family.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation with a Tulsa fatal truck accident lawyer.
How a Fatal Truck Accident Attorney Serving Tulsa Can Help After the Loss of a Loved One
Following the wrongful death of a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you need the space and time to grieve and heal with your family. Unfortunately, practical needs like pursuing compensation from the at-fault party can get in the way. That’s where hiring an experienced fatal truck accident attorney can come into play.
When you hire a lawyer to help you recover the money you need to replace the financial losses associated with the death of your loved one, they will completely take over the handling of your case. With an experienced professional working on your wrongful death lawsuit or insurance claim, you can feel confident that your financial future is in good hands.
This knowledge can free you up to focus on the emotional and mental health of you and your family as you deal with this tragic loss.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYPay Attention to Deadlines When Pursuing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When attempting to recover compensation through a fatal truck accident lawsuit, it is critical that you understand the statute of limitations. In Oklahoma, the family members of a wrongful death victim typically have two years from the date of death to submit the paperwork for their lawsuit against the liable party.
Should this deadline pass without the appropriate action being taken, you will likely discover that you have no further options for pursuing compensation. However, when you talk to a Tulsa fatal truck accident attorney, they may be able to identify an exception to the statute of limitations that will allow you to file after the normal deadline has passed.
You also need to understand that exceptions can further restrict how much time you have to file your lawsuit. Rather than years, you could be limited to a matter of months to submit your paperwork. Hiring a lawyer early is the best way to avoid being bitten by an unexpected deadline.
Compensation You Can Recover Following a Wrongful Death in a Fatal Truck Accident
Following the death of a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you will likely be able to claim several different types of damages. To recover the full value of your claim, you will need to figure out the specific damages that apply to your case. The details surrounding your loved one’s death will determine what damages apply.
Economic Damages
Any financial losses resulting from the death of your loved one are considered economic damages. The most commonly available economic damages following a fatal truck accident are:
- Medical expenses for treatment your loved one received before they passed
- Lost future earnings of the deceased
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
All other losses related to the death of your loved one belong to the broad category of non-economic damages. The most commonly available non-economic damages following a fatal truck accident are:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Decreased quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not used to replace losses suffered by the accident victim. Instead, these damages are meant as a punishment for the at-fault party and are reserved for extreme cases.
Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friends
When attempting to recover compensation through an insurance claim, you must understand that the insurer and you are not on the same team. Insurance companies will go to great lengths to avoid paying out the full value of your claim. Insurance adjusters have tricks they will employ to deny or devalue your claim.
The best defense against an insurer after the loss of a loved one is to decline to engage with them until you have hired a lawyer. Once you have legal representation, the insurance company will be prohibited from contacting you directly. By making them work through your attorney, you will prevent them from using the tricks they would otherwise attempt.
Fatal Truck Accident Attorneys Get Paid for Results
When considering whether or not to hire a fatal truck accident attorney to help with your case, you need to understand that these lawyers do not charge their clients like many other types of attorneys. Instead, like most personal injury lawyers, fatal truck accident attorneys get paid a contingency-based fee.
That means that if you hire a lawyer, they will not charge you a large retainer fee or a high hourly rate. Instead, they will receive a single fee for their services, paid upon the conclusion of your case. This fee will be assessed as a fixed percentage of the money you receive from the liable party. If you don’t recover compensation, your attorney doesn’t get paid.
Reach Out to Us to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Hiring an experienced fatal truck accident attorney in Tulsa will give you the best chance of recovering the compensation you need after the wrongful death of your loved one. At BDIW Law, our team has a long history of helping family members get the money they need to cover their expenses after these devastating losses.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation.
