What Type Of Damages Can I Claim After A Truck Accident
Accidents involving large semi-trucks can result in serious injuries and expensive hospital bills for a number of reasons. The courts will award damages to a successful plaintiff for an amount related to both tangible and intangible losses. There are three primary types of damages awarded in personal injury cases. These include economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages are calculated with accurate precision according to the actual dollar amount and include the following types:
– Current medical expenses and any future medical-related expenses
– The current loss of earnings and any future loss of earnings
– Transportation costs as a direct result of the accident
– Childcare expenses
– Any other economic loss calculated to have occurred due to possible results of the accident
In order to obtain economic compensation for damages, it will be necessary to provide the court with evidence in the form of documents accurately prepared by an expert or expert witnesses to testify to the amount of loss incurred.
2. Non-Economic Damages
These are intangible damages that are put in place to compensate for psychological harm as a direct result of the accident. These types of compensation for damage include:
– Mental anguish
– Physical disfigurement or loss of sexual function
– Suffering and pain
– Any other intangible, non-economic loss
Where serious injuries are involved the courts are known to award intangible damages that double or even triple the amounts claimed for tangible damages. 6-figure awards are commonly awarded for serious injuries and in some cases, even 7-figure awards have been granted.
3. Punitive Damages
Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are intended to further extend compensation. Its aim is to punish defendants in cases of wrongdoing that are considered very serious.
Examples of Punitive Damages
An example of punitive damages is where the driver of an 18-wheeler caused an accident by behaving in a hazardous manner (like “hugging” a bumper), driving at high speed, or found to have been intoxicated when the accident occurred.
Third-Party Damages
A third party like the spouse of a plaintiff may be permitted to take part in the lawsuit to recover damages, for example where the plaintiff has lost the ability to provide the spouse with love, comfort, and support, or has lost sexual function known as ‘loss of consortium’.
A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased if the accident has resulted in a death, claiming compensation for psychological or economic loss that could have been enjoyed if the person had not died.
If you or a relative were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler truck that has resulted in personal injuries and damages, it is essential to hire an experienced truck accident attorney to take your case. Choosing a personal injury lawyer to represent your case may be the best decision you can make when it comes to obtaining just compensation for your loss and injury sustained by an accident involving an 18-wheeler or any other large commercial vehicle. A personal injury lawyer is a professional experienced in gathering necessary evidence and negotiating settlements on behalf of clients who have been involved in these types of accidents and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve.
Skilled Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
Minnesota Injury is a well-known personal injury law firm with extensive experience in accident cases that involve 18-wheelers as well as other types of commercial vehicle accidents across the nation. Our expert lawyers are well aware of the financial and emotional pressures that clients face during the difficult times after a serious accident. They are eager to help you fight for your rights and to ensure that you enjoy maximum compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. If you would like more information give our offices a call today for a free consultation and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.
