Your Guide to Non-Economic Damages in Truck Accident Cases in Florida
Were you seriously injured in a truck accident claim in West Palm Beach? You have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of your damages through a fault-based claim, including for your non-economic losses. At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we are proud to help truck accident victims fight for the maximum compensation. Here, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer provides a guide to recovering compensation for non-economic damages in Florida.
What are Non-Economic Damages?
In Florida, non-economic damages are defined as “nonfinancial losses that would not have occurred but for the injury giving rise to the cause of action, including pain and suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life” (Florida Statutes § 766.202). Truck accidents often produce severe trauma due to the size and force of these vehicles. As a result, non-economic losses can exceed economic losses.
Note: Florida law does not impose a general cap on non-economic damages in negligence-based truck accident cases. The value of these damages depends on the evidence, the severity of the injury, and the long-term impact on daily life.
How to Prove Non-Economic Damages After a Truck Accident
Economic damages are tied to specific financial losses. While not easy to recover in truck accident cases, they can be more straightforward to value. In contrast, non-economic damages are not tied to any particular financial loss. They are inherently challenging to put a specific dollar figure on.
Evidence plays a key role in establishing non-economic damages. Medical records show levels of pain, required treatment, and expected long-term effects. Testimony from treating physicians can link ongoing symptoms to the crash. Psychological evaluations may demonstrate anxiety, depression, or trauma triggered by the collision.
Beyond that, day-in-the-life statements from family members and friends help illustrate changes in mobility, hobbies, work capacity, and interpersonal relationships. Photographs of injuries and documentation of physical limitations provide additional support. These materials build a picture of how the injury affects everyday life. A top Florida truck accident lawyer can help.
Insurance Companies Often Try to Undervalue Non-Economic Damages
Trucking companies and their insurers are not on your side after a bad crash. They fight hard to settle cases for less. Among other things, that includes trying to limit the value of non-economic damages. Insurance companies often push to undervalue non-economic damages because these losses do not come with fixed numbers. They challenge pain levels, emotional distress, and lifestyle changes to limit payouts. Adjusters look for gaps in treatment, inconsistent statements, or anything they can use to reduce the claim’s credibility.
Call Our West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident attorney is standing by, ready to help. If you have any questions about recovering compensation for non-economic damages, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. With an office in West Palm Beach, our firm handles tractor trailer accident claims throughout all of Southeastern Florida.
