Damages Awarded in a Georgia Commercial Truck Accident Claim

If equipment malfunction or a negligent driver contributed to the semi truck accident that caused you injury or property damage, you may be able to seek financial recovery under the law.

In general, there are 3 types of damages that can be awarded in a commercial truck accident claim or lawsuit:

economic;
punitive; and
noneconomic damages.

Economic damages include compensation for those costs that can be quantified into a real dollar amount, such as:

medical expenses;
property damage;
rehabilitation;
therapy;
nursing costs;
lost wages; and
decreased earning capacity.

Punitive damages are additional financial damages that are only applied by the courts in extreme cases of operator or owner malfeasance, such as an accident that was the result of drunk driving or willful intent to cause harm.

Noneconomic damages include those things that cannot be estimated in a real dollar amount, such as:

pain and suffering;
mental anguish;
disfigurement;
loss of consortium with your spouse; and
decreased quality or enjoyment of life.

If you or a member of your family was injured in a commercial truck accident, seek help from a truck accident lawyer who can help you recover the financial compensation you need to cover medical costs, defray the impact of lost wages if you have to take time off of work to recover, and ease the burden of serious or permanent injury.

Providing the Legal Help You Need after a Semi Truck Accident

To learn more about the rights of semi truck accident victims and what you can do to protect your commercial truck accident claim, request one of Shane Smith’s books: 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case and Property Damage Guide for Georgia. These books provide valuable tips from an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer about pursuing your negligent driver claim, and are available free of charge to Georgia accident victims and their families. Contact our offices at (980) 246-2656.