Often, people wonder how much they are likely to get in truck accident damages. No one size fits all when it comes to the calculation of damages in truck accident claims. To determine specific damages award, your attorney will have to convince the courts to examine several factors.
Here are six things that are likely to shape the amount you collect.
Your Medical Bills
Probably the most important factor in award considerations, your attorney has to show the courts all documentation related to bills and expenses for medical services. These services include ambulance fees, emergency room treatment, hospital stays and accessories such as crutches, among others.
Property Damage
The court may choose to factor in the extent of damage caused to your vehicle or any other property. Remember, you have to show photographic, video or any other types of evidence to prove the extent of the damage.
Loss of Wages
These are damages in relation to the amount of money you would have earned were it not for the injury. The court may include lost future earning capacity depending on your occupation, age and extent of injuries.
Pain and Suffering
In some instances, the court will reward damages for any past, present and future physical pain and emotional distress in connection with an injury or the accident. Monetary value of pain and suffering is based on several factors as explained by a National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCIBI) paper.
Punitive Damages
These damages are meant to punish malicious defendants. In particularly abhorrent cases of negligence, you can seek punitive damages.
Contributory or Comparative Negligence
The degree of how much your behavior could have resulted in the accident can impact how much you collect. In many states, including Florida, your direct participatory behavior can lead to reduced or even barring damage awards.
An experienced truck accident attorney in Tampa will help you find out how much your peculiar case is worth under Tampa local laws. However, this can only be done after a thorough examination of your case.