Semi-truck accidents are often extremely severe, resulting in major injuries that are difficult and costly to treat. When your case goes to court, you can seek damages related to both your tangible and intangible losses. Typically, personal injury victims are awarded three different types of damages. These include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
1. Economic Damages
This category involves financial losses related to the accident. The amount you are owed is calculated based on your current and future expenses. Damages like these can include:
– Your medical costs resulting from the accident, both now and in the future
– Lost income, both from work you have already missed and work that you may miss in the future
– Childcare expenses
– Transportation-related expenses resulting from the accident
– Any other expenses that you have already paid or will be forced to pay as a direct result of the accident
When claiming economic damages, you need to provide the court with accurate, detailed evidence showing the exact amount of money you have lost. This evidence is usually presented in the form of documents or expert witnesses.
2. Non-economic Damages
Serious accidents don’t just impact your finances. They impact both your physical and mental well-being, as well. Non-economic damages, which are also referred to as intangible damages, are designed to provide compensation for your pain, mental suffering, and other losses related to your physical or mental well-being. Examples include:
– Pain and suffering
– Mental anguish
– Scarring, deformity, or other types of physical disfigurement
– A loss of sexual function
– Other intangible losses not included on this list
The amount awarded by courts for intangible damages in accidents involving serious injuries is often far higher than the amount awarded for tangible damages. Victims who sustained severe injuries are sometimes awarded six or seven-figure awards by the court.
3. Punitive Damages
Also referred to as exemplary damages, punitive damages are designed as a form of punishment for defendants whose behavior was hazardous, negligent, or otherwise inappropriate. Here are some examples of cases where punitive damages may be awarded:
– The driver of the 18-wheeler was drunk or under the influence of drugs when the accident took place.
– The driver was tailgating or driving in some other way that was hazardous.
Claiming Third-Party Damages
In some cases, spouses of victims injured in accidents can join the suit. For instance, if the accident victim loses their ability to function sexually or if they no longer can offer the love and emotional support that their spouse needs, the spouse can file a claim. Claims like these fall under the category of loss of consortium.
If the victim is killed in the accident, their spouse or family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Cases like these are designed to compensate the victim’s loved ones for the psychological and monetary benefits that they would still be receiving if the person hadn’t died.
If you or a loved one got into an accident involving an 18-wheeler which led to injuries or other types of damages, working with a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases is essential. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer is important. They will help you with every aspect of your case, from putting together evidence to negotiating a fair settlement. If your case goes to court, they will also provide you with representation.
Experienced Lawyers Handling Semi-truck Accident Cases
With years’ worth of experience handling 18-wheeler accidents and cases involving commercial vehicles, Penn Kestner & Mcewen is one of today’s leading personal injury law firms. Our lawyers are familiar with the monetary, emotional, and physical issues related to trucking accidents. Dealing with an accident like this is one of the most difficult things that anyone can go through. Let us help you through this challenging time. With our assistance, you can seek compensation for your damages so that you can get your life back on track again. Reach out to us today at 855–396–3926 to schedule a free consultation.
