Truck accidents tend to cause far more serious harm than typical car crashes, both in terms of the injuries sustained as well as the associated financial expenses. If you were injured in a truck accident in El Paso, Texas, learning about what kinds of compensation the law makes available is an important first step toward getting your life back on track.
Texas is an at-fault state, which means you can pursue a claim directly against anyone who shares liability for the accident. Continue reading for a closer look at what forms of compensation you may be able to recover. Reach out to our truck accident lawyer in El Paso for assistance.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for the measurable financial losses your injuries have caused. In truck accident cases, these figures can add up quickly when you factor in both current and future expenses.
Examples of economic damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Documenting these expenses thoroughly with financial records is essential, as you’ll have the initial burden of proof of establishing your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Not every loss from a truck accident shows up on a bill. Non-economic damages exist to compensate you for the ways the accident has affected your quality of life and personal well-being.
These damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Conditions like PTSD
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify than economic damages, but they often make up a significant portion of a truck accident victim’s total recovery. Your personal injury lawyer in El Paso can work with medical professionals and other experts to present a compelling picture of how the accident has changed your everyday life.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, Texas law allows for punitive damages on top of your compensatory recovery. These aren’t meant to reimburse you for a specific loss. Instead, they’re designed to punish the defendant for especially egregious behavior and discourage similar conduct in the future.
To qualify for punitive damages, you must show by clear and convincing evidence that the responsible party acted egregiously. In the context of a truck accident, this could involve a driver operating under the influence and causing the crash in an extreme fit of road rage.
Contact an El Paso Truck Accident Lawyer for Legal Help
Truck accident claims can be worth substantial amounts of money, but you’ll likely need to go up against at least one powerful corporation to secure everything you’re entitled to. Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC is here to help you level the playing field and take legal action.
Contact our El Paso truck accident attorney today for a free consultation at (915) 250-0700. We’re confident we can help you make the most of your claim for compensation.