If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, you know how much damage a big semi can cause. Once the dust has settled, you may be wondering what kind of damages you can recover.
In general, there are two main categories of damages that can be awarded in a truck accident case: economic damages and non-economic damages.Â
Our team of dedicated truck accident attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm in Austin, Texas can help you figure out which types of damages you need after your truck accident.
Economic Damages in Texas Truck Crash Cases
Economic damages are damages that are intended to compensate the victim for actual financial losses incurred as a result of the accident.
Among other things, economic damages can include:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work as a result of the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include both past losses and anticipated future losses due to the injury.
- Property damage: If the victim’s vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses: This can include expenses like transportation costs to and from medical appointments, home care expenses, and other expenses related to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages in Texas Truck Crash Cases
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are damages that are intended to compensate the victim for intangible losses that can’t be measured objectively in financial terms.Â
These damages can include things like:
- Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and other types of suffering that result from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the victim is no longer able to participate in activities they enjoyed prior to the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium: If the victim’s spouse or family member is unable to provide the same level of companionship or support as a result of the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
- Disfigurement or scarring: If the victim suffers from disfigurement or scarring as a result of the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress and social stigma that comes with these types of injuries.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
The amount of damages that a victim can recover will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of their injuries, the extent of their financial losses, and the specific circumstances of the accident. You’ll need to work with an experienced attorney to help you calculate what you’re entitled to.Â
That said, victims of truck crashes can generally recover significant damages, particularly if the accident resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
The Stewart Law Firm – Years of Experience in the Austin Area
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to understand the types of damages that you may be entitled to recover. Economic damages can compensate you for financial losses incurred as a result of the accident, while non-economic damages can compensate you for intangible losses like pain and suffering.
But why go it alone? Our Austin, Texas-based attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm can help you ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, and can help you navigate the complex legal process associated with truck accident cases. Contact us today to get started.
