What Damages Can You Recover in a Florida Drowsy Driving Accident Case?

Drowsy driving is the dangerous combination of driving when sleepy or tired. This behavior can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. According to research, drowsy driving accounts for more than 300,000 accidents annually. When a driver’s sleepiness or fatigue leads to an accident, the consequences can be severe. Often, drowsy driving accidents result in life-altering injuries or even death. You may be entitled to recover damages if you’ve been injured in a drowsy driving accident. It is vital that you understand the types of damages available in a drowsy driving accident case. That way, you can build a strong case and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.

Below are the damages you can recover in a Florida drowsy driving accident case.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the first category of damages you can recover in a Florida drowsy driving accident case. These are measurable financial losses related to the accident. These damages are meant to compensate you for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident. They include;

• Medical expenses: You are entitled to recover the cost of, among others, emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy. Apart from past and current medical expenses, you are also entitled to be compensated for future medical expenses, such as future expenses for rehabilitation or therapy.
• Property damage: You have the right to recover compensation for the cost of repair or replacement of your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Lost wages and loss of/reduced earning capacity: If you cannot work because of your injury, you are eligible to recover compensation for the wages you’ve lost due to not being able to go to work. You also have the right to recover compensation for any future wages you might lose if you are completely unable to return to work or if your injury diminishes your earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective and non-monetary losses. These damages are meant to compensate you for the intangible impact of the accident. Non-economic damages can make up a significant portion of your compensation. Here are some non-economic damages you may be eligible to recover;

• Pain and suffering: These damages are meant to compensate you for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experience due to your injuries. Insurance companies, attorneys, and judges rely on several factors to determine the value of your pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress: These damages focus solely on the emotional and psychological impact of the injury, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and fear.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injury prevents you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed, you are entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant. According to Florida law, a plaintiff can recover punitive damages if the defendant is found guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. An award of punitive damages can significantly boost the value of your drowsy driving accident case.

Contact Us for Legal Help

Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Melbourne, and Bradenton areas.

Source:

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