If you are in the DC Metro area, and you have been hit by a drunk driver, you may be able to get compensation for your losses, both the tangible and the intangible ones. A personal injury attorney can help you identify the losses you can seek compensation for.
What Compensation Can I Recover if I’m Hit by a Drunk Driver? Answers from a Personal Injury Attorney in Maryland
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses
Economic damages, or the tangible losses due to an incident, encompass all medical expenses related to the car accident: the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, medication’s, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs related to your injuries from the accident.
Lost Income
You may also seek to be compensated for any wages or salary or other income lost due to having to take time off work or losing employment because of the injury. You may also be able to recover damages for future lost income, based on the estimates of medical professionals for how long you will be out of work. There is also the possibility of recovering for lost earning capacity, which is if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Property Damage
If you have had property damage or loss due to the injury accident, you can ask to be compensated for repairing or replacing the property. This would encompass damage not only to your vehicle, but also to your property that was in or near your vehicle and damaged by the crash. If your car or property cannot be repaired, then you can seek compensation equivalent to the value of the item.
Other Expenses
Any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash can be included in economic damages. This would be costs such as home care services, hiring someone to take care of what you are unable to because of injury, or transportation to and from medical appointments.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is the most common form of non-economic damages, or intangible losses incurred by the injury. Pain and suffering encompasses the physical pain and discomfort you have experienced because of the injuries.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress encompasses damages for the psychological impacts of the injury. This includes depression, anxiety, and PTSD that has resulted from the accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
You may also be able to seek compensation for any diminished due to the injury in your ability to enjoy activities that you once enjoyed. Hobbies, sports, or daily life activities that you used to enjoy would be included in this category.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to the victim as a punishment for the drunk driver, if their actions that were especially reckless or egregious. Montgomery Count courts do not always award punitive damages but may do so if the driver acted with gross negligence or intent to cause harm. Punitive damages are intended to serve as a warning for the driver and others, to discourage similar behavior.
If you have been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, reach out to the law team at Lead Science Personal Injury in Derwood, MD for legal advice and help.
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