Finding yourself involved in a car accident due to the recklessness of a drunk driver can easily leave you with significant and life-changing injuries. What’s hard to comprehend is that these incidents are completely avoidable yet can mean that you find yourself out of work. With mounting medical bills, you may be wondering how you’re going to make ends meet if you’re out of employment through no fault of your own.
Nearly 1,000 people were killed and thousands more were injured as a result of alcohol and drug-related crashes in Texas in 2020 alone. A small relief is that there are damages you can claim to help cover your costs while you recover.
Financial losses are not the only recoverable damages available
If you’re injured and unable to work, covering your expenses will be your main concern outside of physical recovery. The financial losses you can claim include paying for your hospital bills. The cost of a hospital stay and any additional follow-up treatment can quickly add up. If you lost your job due to your injuries, you may also be able to claim for loss of income, both present and future.
Outside of these strictly, easily quantifiable financial losses is the option to claim damages for pain and suffering caused by your harm. Being involved in an accident due to the actions of a drunk driver can cause long-lasting mental and emotional distress, such as experiencing flashbacks and pain that affect the general enjoyment of life.
Another type of compensation available in some cases is punitive damages. The purpose of these damages serves both as a punishment to the driver in your case and as a deterrent to other drivers.
Making sure you receive the compensation you deserve following an accident that wasn’t your fault can be an essential part of your recovery. Seeking legal guidance is a solid first step forward.