Types of Compensation Available After a Fatal Kentucky Truck Accident

After a fatal truck accident has claimed the life of a loved one, the last thing you may want to think about is money. Unfortunately, utility bills, mortgages, groceries and other necessities do not respect the grieving process you are going through. You may not want to think about filing a wrongful death claim, but if the deceased was the primary income earner in your household, you need to at least consult with a local Louisville truck accident attorney for advice and assistance during this difficult time.

Kentucky wrongful death lawsuits after a truck accident can provide you and your family with the compensation you need and deserve for sustaining so monumental a loss. Before filing a Kentucky wrongful death claim, it's important to understand how the court looks at wrongful death cases involving truck accidents and what types of compensation may be available.

Economic and Non-Economic Factors in Fatal Truck Accident Lawsuits

The court will look at a variety of specific factors that played a part in your loved one's fatal truck accident, but generally they will consider several economic factors (those with an actual, verifiable cost), and non-economic factors (emotional and mental repercussions).

Economic factors include:

• The deceased's lost future income (this is calculated through a series of tables that look at the deceased's health prior to the truck accident, earning potential and life expectancy);
• Medical bills incurred prior to death;
• Funeral expenses; and
• Other accident-related expenses.

Non-economic factors include:

• Pain and suffering (prior to death);
• Loss of companionship (for family); and
• Punitive damages (awarded in severe cases of neglect).

Truck Driver and Truck Company Liability

In cases where a fatal truck accident was caused by a trucking company in addition to, or instead of, the actual truck driver, the trucking company and their insurance company become the focus on your wrongful death claim.

Under these circumstances, the general types of compensation may be the same, but since a trucking company is required by federal law to carry more insurance than an individual truck driver, you may be able to receive a larger amount of compensation.

Truck company liability in a fatal truck accident can be determined by looking at the company's records concerning logged driver hours, vehicle maintenance and inspection records, weigh station records, and other evidence that should be acquired and analyzed by your Louisville truck accident attorney.

Consulting with a Louisville Truck Accident Attorney

While no attorney can tell you exactly how much your individual case is "worth," they can look at the economic and non-economic factors involved. This can help you determine what a fair settlement should be in the event the insurance company of the truck driver or company offers you a settlement or when making a claim in court.

The court understands that no sum of money can replace or make up for the loss of a parent, child, or spouse, but know that some justice can be served and a Louisville truck accident attorney at Gray and White Law is here to listen to your story with compassion and respect and offer legal advice to help look out for your family's best interests during this emotional time.

If you've lost a loved one in a fatal Kentucky truck accident contact us today for a free evaluation of your case 800-634-8767 or 502-210- 8942.