After a truck accident case, a person can recover economic damages – such as wage loss, medical bills, and future losses – as well as noneconomic damages for pain and suffering and loss of consortium. An experienced truck crash attorney could help a plaintiff recover compensation for Western PA truck accident damages and help alleviate some of their financial pain.
There are three types of Indiana truck accident damages, which include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are anything quantifiable that a person loses as a result of an accident. Economic damages may include wages that were lost during the period of recovery or future lost wages that are going to be lost because a person might not be able to work in the future. It would also include costs like medical bills, medication, diagnostic testing for which a person has paid out of pocket. Economic damages are quantifiable, and can usually be proven through receipts, pay stubs, and other documentation.
Non-economic damages are anything that is not quantifiable. As a result, non-economic damages tend to be more qualitative and personal. Non-economic damages may include the inconvenience of having to go to appointments, the embarrassment of sustaining injuries, and ongoing complications like scarring and headaches.
The amount of economic and noneconomic damages can be a barometer for the jury in them awarding punitive damages. The jury can also look at the assets of the defendant when determining the amount of punitive damages.
The medical effects of truck accident injuries can sometimes permanent, particularly after a head injury or concussion. Medical studies suggest that if the symptoms of a head injury are still present 12 to 18 months after the accident, they may well be permanent and exist for the rest of the person’s life. Neck and back problems can also be ongoing. A skilled personal injury lawyer could help hold a negligent trucking company accountable for the permanent effects of their breach of duty.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state for medical bill purposes. If an individual is in an auto accident, whether they drive their own car into a tree or they are rear-ended by someone else, their own auto insurance company will pay their medical bills for treatment related to the accident, regardless of fault.
The minimum insurance policy one can have and drive legally in Pennsylvania is $5,000, which is the typical amount. Some people carry greater coverage, like $10,000. Some people even have upwards of $100,000 in medical bill coverage, but whatever level that is, their own auto insurance will pay those bills up to that limit to the extent that their treatment relates to the accident. Any costs higher than that limit will need to be recovered through litigation or settlement.
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries that may lead to escalating financial repercussions. An experienced attorney could help you recover compensation for Western PA truck accident damages such as medical bills, lost income, emotional trauma, and more. Reach out to the lawyers at Marcus & Mack to schedule a consultation!
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