If you or someone you love were recently in a motorcycle accident, you might wonder what damages are available to you. In most cases, riders can receive economic damages, but sometimes non-economic and punitive damages may be available. Read this blog to learn more about what compensation can cover in the event of an accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most common type of damages awarded in personal injury cases and seek to compensate the victim for financial losses related to the incident. These include:
- medical expenses
- lost wages
- property damage repair costs
- other out-of-pocket expenses that directly resulted from the accident
The goal of economic damages is to restore a victim’s financial situation back to what it was before the accident occurred so that they can make a full recovery as soon as possible.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are often awarded for pain and suffering caused by an injury or loss of life due to an accident. These damages are meant to offer victims some level of solace for their emotional distress after going through a traumatic experience. Common examples include compensation for physical pain and disfigurement, mental anguish, grief, loss of consortium (loss of companionship), or loss of enjoyment in life activities.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can also be awarded if gross negligence or intentional misconduct is found in court. Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer for their actions and deter future instances of similar behavior. These damages may also be used in cases where economic or non-economic compensatory fees are not enough to compensate for an individual's losses due to another's negligence or wrongdoing.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that require expensive medical treatments and leave victims unable to work or care for themselves during their recovery period. If that’s the case for you or a loved one, contact the Michles & Booth, P.A. team. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t be a victim twice—call Michles & Booth, P.A. today.
Reach us by phone at 850-438-4848 or fill out a contact request form here.