Contributory negligence in Cordova truck accidents can be a complex issue, so it is important to seek professional guidance for your personal injury lawsuit. Disputes regarding the cause or fault of an accident can restrict your ability to recover compensation, depending on the jury’s findings at trial. You will benefit from the advice of an experienced truck accident attorney who can defend against claims of contributory negligence in your case. At The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we use our knowledge in personal injury claims to maximize your compensation.
What Is Contributory Negligence?
The law recognizes contributory negligence as a principle that fairly apportions fault for personal injury among all responsible parties. A party accused of causing a truck wreck in Cordova may assert contributory fault by another party to reduce their obligation to compensate the injured person. If the court finds the injured person negligent, their ability to recover compensation in court is limited.
The law applies a modified version of contributory negligence, reducing an injured person’s compensation in proportion to their fault for the accident. For example, if an injured person is 25 percent at fault for a wreck, they can recover only 75 percent of the compensation. They can still recover compensation from other at-fault parties, provided they are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident.
Navigating Contributory Negligence in a Truck Accident Case
The jury determines the degree of negligence for each party. As board-certified personal injury lawyers, we argue for every percentage point of fault attributed to the opposing party, based on the facts of the case. We review the accident and further investigate the fault of each party. For example, the following types of evidence are important in disputing claims of contributory negligence and establishing another party’s fault:
- The truck’s black box data
- Traffic camera recordings
- Vehicle camera recordings
- Other visuals of the accident scene or vehicle damage
- Eye-witness testimony
- Police reports
In Cordova, truck collision cases that involve a possible jury finding of negligent contribution carry significant trial risks. David and Elissa will inform clients about the strengths and weaknesses of their case and pursue settlement negotiations to recover as much compensation as possible.
Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident
The severity of an injury from a wreck also affects the compensation recovered through a civil claim. Injuries that result in permanent disability or impact a person’s ability to work will typically generate greater financial and non-financial losses for which a claimant can claim compensation. For example, compensation may be available for the following types of losses:
- Costs for medical care and physical therapy
- Expenses for medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Knowing the full extent of losses from an injury enables claimants to evaluate the merits of a settlement offer compared with going to trial. The potential value of a claim involving a truck collision in Cordova is especially important when considering contributory negligence, which can reduce the overall compensation recovered.
Contact a Cordova Attorney About Contributory Negligence in a Truck Wreck Case
At-fault trucking companies and their insurers often assert contributory negligence in Cordova truck accidents to reduce their liability and justify lower settlement offers. You deserve to understand the potential impact of contributory negligence on your case. At The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we are here to help you overcome these challenges in court. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.
