Can I Get Compensation For Emotional Distress After a Truck Accident?
Posted by Wetherington Law Firm | Articles, Truck Accidents
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you might be able to get compensation for your injuries, emotional stress, and lost wages by filing a personal injury claim.
To get money for emotional distress after a truck accident, it’s best to speak with a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases. They can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer if you wish to sue for emotional distress.
What Is Emotional Distress?
Emotional distress covers the mental and emotional pain you might feel after a truck accident. You may be able to claim compensation if you experience:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety or depression
- Feeling degraded
- Trouble sleeping
- A drop in your quality of life
- Loss of interest in work or hobbies
- Emotional pain from a disability
If you’re dealing with any of these issues after a truck accident, it could be emotional distress. Talk to a truck accident lawyer about what you’re going through, and they can help you decide if you can get compensation for it.
How Much Could I Get for Emotional Distress?
Compensation for emotional distress is often considered part of pain and suffering damages. How much you can get depends on how serious your emotional distress is. People with severe issues like disability or long-term PTSD usually receive more money.
If you had to get medical treatment for your emotional distress, you might be able to get reimbursed for those costs. This includes both current and future medical expenses related to your distress.
Is There a Limit on How Much Compensation I Can Get for Emotional Damages?
There is no set limit on how much you can recover for emotional damages in a personal injury case. Some people can get large settlements, especially if their lives have been significantly affected by the accident.
The amount you can get for emotional distress depends on how severe your injuries and distress are, as well as the specifics of your case. While high amounts are possible, each case is different.
How Do You Calculate Compensation for Emotional Distress After a Truck Accident?
Figuring out how much you could get for emotional distress after a truck accident can be tricky. Here are two common methods used to calculate this compensation:
Per Diem Method
With the Per Diem method, a set dollar amount is given for each day you suffer after the accident. This amount is based on how serious your injuries and emotional distress are. The calculation starts from the day of the accident and continues until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Multiplier Method
The Multiplier method is more commonly used. It starts with your economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages. Then, a number between 1 and 5 is chosen based on how severe your emotional distress is. This number multiplies your economic damages to estimate how much you’ll get for emotional suffering and other non-economic damages.
How Can I Prove That My Distress Was Caused by the Truck Accident?
Proving that your emotional distress came from a truck accident can be tough, but here’s how you can show it:
See a Medical Professional
Always visit a doctor after a truck accident, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Sometimes, physical and emotional problems don’t show up right away. A mental health expert can help diagnose issues like anxiety or PTSD, which can be common after accidents.
Talk to Your Lawyer
Tell your lawyer about any diagnoses or mental health issues you have. This information is important for your case. Keep your lawyer updated about your health, both physical and emotional.
Keep a Journal
Write about how the accident affects your daily life. This can help show how the accident has hurt you emotionally. Share your journal with your lawyer, who can use it to support your case.
Get Support from Friends and Family
Your friends and family can also help by talking about how the accident has affected you. They can provide statements that support your claim for emotional distress.
By doing these things, you can provide strong evidence that your emotional distress is connected to the truck accident.
Our Personal injury lawyers can help you by guiding you through the legal process and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for emotional distress and other damages. We’ll use our experience to handle insurance companies, gather the right evidence, and fight for your rights.
Whether you need to prove your emotional suffering or navigate complex legal steps, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Else Can You Get Compensation for After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, you can be compensated for more than just emotional distress. Here’s what else you might be able to claim:
- Medical Bills: If you’re hurt, you can get money to cover your medical bills, both now and in the future. This includes treating any injuries that might also cause emotional distress.
- Lost Wages: If you couldn’t work because of your injuries or stress, you can be paid for the money you missed out on. This includes time off for recovery and, if needed, compensation for any lost earning potential if you can’t return to work.
- Property Damage: You can be reimbursed for the damage to your vehicle and any personal items that were lost or damaged in the accident. If your vehicle is totaled, you might get the value of the truck.
- Loss of Consortium: If you lost a loved one in the accident, you might be able to claim compensation for the loss. Talk to your lawyer about a wrongful death claim if this applies to you.
Contact us online or call our team at (404) 888-4444 for a free consultation and let us help you through this tough time.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?
If you were partly responsible for the truck accident, you can still get compensation for your emotional distress and other damages. However, the amount you receive might be less because of your share of the fault.
Your lawyer will help figure out how much you were to blame and how it affects your compensation. If the insurance company says you were 20% at fault, you could get 80% of the total compensation you would have received if you weren’t at fault. Your lawyer will work to get you the most possible compensation even if you were partially at fault.
Contact Wetherington Law Firm if You’ve Had a Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a truck accident, call Wetherington Law Firm at (404) 888-4444. Our experienced accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. We will handle everything from negotiating with insurance companies to gathering evidence and proving your case.
For a strong case, we’ll get the crash report, investigate, and gather all the evidence we need. If needed, we’ll file a lawsuit to show that the truck driver or company was at fault. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
Conclusion,
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you might be able to get compensation for more than just physical injuries. You can also claim compensation for emotional distress, like stress and anxiety. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still get some compensation. Contact Wetherington Law Firm at (404) 888-4444 to learn how we can help you get the money you deserve for all your losses. We’ll guide you through the process and fight for your rights.