How Much Compensation Can I Get for Pain and Suffering After a Truck Accident in Florida?
A tractor trailer crash can happen when you least expect it. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) reports that there were more than 35,000 semi-truck accidents in the state in 2022 alone. Following a major crash, you need justice. This raises an important question: Can I seek compensation for my pain and suffering after a truck accident? The short answer is “yes”—and the amount will vary based on many case-specific factors. Here, our West Palm Beach trucking accident lawyers explain the key points to know about getting full and fair compensation for your pain and suffering after a crash in Florida.
What is Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering is a legal term. You will hear it used in the personal injury claims process. Broadly defined, it refers to the totality of the physical pain and emotional distress that a person endured because of the injuries that they suffered in an accident. Notably, your pain and suffering includes what you already endured, what you are currently going through, and likely future trauma.
You Have the Right to Seek Pain and Suffering Compensation after a Truck Accident
If you suffer serious injuries in a truck accident in Florida due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering. If you sustained a serious injury because of the negligence of a trucker or trucking company, your pain and suffering should be considered as part of any claim that you bring.
Understanding How Pain and Suffering is Calculated in Florida
Pain and suffering is inherently hard to put a specific dollar figure on. It is a non-economic damage—and while not easily quantifiable, pain and suffering is very real. Calculating pain and suffering in Florida involves several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the expected recovery time, and how the injuries affect your daily life and mental health. In most cases, pain and suffering is calculated as a multiple—often between 1 and 5―of your economic damages.
Truck Companies and Insurers Try to Undervalue Pain and Suffering Damages
Unfortunately, getting justice after a truck accident can be challenging. Truck companies and their insurers too often try to undervalue pain and suffering damages. They might downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that your emotional distress is not actually as severe as claimed. Do not let them get away with undervaluing your trauma: A top-tier West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer can help you seek the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we fight to hold trucking companies and their insurance providers accountable. If you have any questions about seeking financial support for pain and suffering after a crash, we can help. Contact our firm today for a free case review. From our West Palm Beach office, we handle truck accident cases in Palm Beach County and across South Florida.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf
