Truck accidents can be devastating. Since trucks are heavier and larger than passenger car vehicles, the latter is the most affected in the case of a collision. The injuries acquired in a trucking accident can lead to serious, life-threatening injuries, the effects of which may stay with you for the rest of your life. If you are a victim, you must not allow the liable party to get away with it.
Thankfully, you are entitled to compensation if you are not the liable party in a trucking accident. You can recover damages, such as medical treatment costs, lost wages, emotional and mental stress, etc. Even though they are only assigned in rare cases, you can also claim punitive damages. Speak to a Houston truck accident Lawyer today to know your options.
What are the economic damages you can collect in a truck accident?
Economic damages are those which can be demonstrated using a dollar value. Here are some of the common economic damages awarded after a truck accident.
- Medical expenses, including emergency medical care, doctor bills, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other long-term or future medical care.
- Lost wages in the case you had a job and were forced to not work due to your injury. You will be reimbursed for each day you have to miss work.
- Property damage or vehicle repair costs. If your vehicle were totaled, you would be given an amount equivalent to the car’s current market value.
What are the non-economic damages?
Non-economic damages are those which do not have a specific dollar value and are more complex to calculate. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
If the court finds the actions of the driver particularly heinous, they may even impose punitive damages. These damages are different from economic and non-economic damages because they are not meant to reimburse the victim but rather to punish the liable party so as to discourage this behavior in the future.
How should a victim proceed to recover the damages?
The process of recovering damages is not easy. You must file a case with the other party’s insurance company, which will demand evidence of liability from you. Gathering evidence is another critical but complex process.
It is recommended to hire an attorney in Houston to guide you through the process. They are particularly helpful in proving liability as they can find evidence that the average person might overlook. Once it is proved that they were liable, you can start the negotiation process.
