Accidents involving trucks tend to result in life-changing injuries. Various aspects of your life may be affected, from your finances and career to your quality of life and your relationships with friends and family. As a victim, it is only fair that you get adequate compensation for the harm and losses you suffer.
There are several kinds of recoverable damages in a truck accident claim. Understanding what you are entitled to in damages will help ensure you do not settle for less than you deserve.
Economic, non-economic and punitive damages explained
Economic damages are supposed to compensate you for actual monetary losses arising from the accident. They include property damage, present and future hospital bills and lost wages. Such damages must be proven to be recovered.
On the other hand, non-economic damages cover the non-monetary losses you suffered from the accident. The physical pain and suffering you endured, emotional anguish, loss of companionship and disfigurement are some of these damages. Quantifying non-economic damages may not be easy, and various approaches may be employed depending on the facts of your case.
Punitive damages, otherwise referred to as exemplary damages, apply in exceptional situations. They are meant to punish the liable party for gross negligence or reckless acts which resulted in the accident and discourage others from similar bad acts.
It may be time to get help with your truck accident claim
It helps to have proper guidance when navigating the claims process, given the possibility of issues arising along the way. You will also be aware of what you need to do to protect your interests and the legal options available should things not work out during settlement negotiations with the insurer.