Recoverable Damages Following a Truck Accident in Charlotte
In the moments following a truck accident, it is normal to feel shocked about what just transpired. However, after you have received medical care, it is important that you look into ways to hold the negligent driver accountable for the injuries you suffered. However, one of the first steps in doing so is calculating the damages owed to you.
To gain a better understanding of the recoverable damages in a truck accident claim in Charlotte, schedule a consultation today.
What is the Difference Between Economic and Noneconomic Damages?
When a person suffers an accident, they are entitled to receiving compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages accounts for expenses that are easy to put a number on. For example, some of the most common forms of economic damages include loss of wages and medical expenses. On the other hand, noneconomic damages accounts for expenses that are less easy to calculate. These types of damages are often intangible since they address the psychological trauma suffered by victims. Examples of these types of injuries includes pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and mental anguish.
Damages Covered by Auto Insurance
A person’s auto insurance may likely only cover medical expenses. In regards to property damage, that would have to be paid out by the trucking company being held responsible. If there is some fault on part of the plaintiff, their car insurance would step up and cover those damages.
How are Punitive Damages Awarded?
Punitive damages have a different standard of negligence such as gross negligence. The only time punitive damages come into a case associated with truck driving is for a rare situation with the truck driver being impaired by substances or drugs. The impairment is more of a criminal act that potentially leads to punitive damages and has nothing to do with economic and noneconomic damages.
How Could an Attorney Help with Recovering Damages?
After the victim is stabilized in medical care, the attorney usually hires a life care planner, a nurse, or another medical professional to obtain all of the doctors’ opinions regarding the costs of future medical care.
Attorneys may arrange for a videographer to create a day in the life video to show how the victim’s injuries affected their life.
The main role of an attorney is to tell the victim’s story first to the insurance company to see if there is a settlement. When a settlement cannot be reached, the story needs to be told to a jury to make a decision.
Retain Legal Assistance as Soon as Possible
Upon receiving medical assistance following an accident with a truck or big rig, it is imperative that you reach out to a legal professional for help with calculating the damages owed to you. Not only could an attorney help in this regard, but they could also advocate on your behalf during a trial or settlement negotiations.
To get started on reviewing the recoverable damages in a truck accident claim in Charlotte, get in touch with an attorney today.
