Can Emotional Distress or Trauma Be Compensated in Drunk Driving Injury Cases?

Each year, nearly 290,000 people are injured in drunk driving accidents. Drunk driving injuries may entail more than physical injuries. If you have recently been the victim of a drunk driving injury case, you may experience emotional distress and other non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are defined as intangible losses that impact your quality of life, even though they do not come with a price tag. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a drunk driving accident, our Philadelphia car accident attorneys are here to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.

What are Emotional Distress Damages?

Emotional distress refers to the psychological impact that an incident can have on a person. A type of non-economic damage, emotional distress encompasses the mental and emotional toll that a personal injury has on a victim. You may be able to recover emotional distress damages following a drunk driving accident if you are now experiencing a fear of driving or travel, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other emotional suffering. Symptoms of PTSD may involve anxiety/depression, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, irritability, and mood swings.

How are Emotional Distress Damages Calculated?

Emotional distress or non-economic damages are calculated by the fact-finder in your case, usually the jury during a trial or an arbitrator during an arbitration. Under Article III, Section 18 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, the legislature is not permitted to pass any laws that limit the amount that a personal injury victim can recover in noneconomic damages. Before emotional distress damages can be calculated, you must add up your total economic damages. Economic damages include any out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident, such as lost wages, medical bills, and vehicle repairs and/or replacement costs.

Speak with Our Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys Today

The emotional trauma that follows a drunk driving accident can result in the injured party experiencing anxiety, depression, and other psychological trauma. If you or a loved one has been struck by an inebriated driver, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers would like to hear from you. If you are interested in exploring your options for compensation, HGSK Injury Lawyers is ready to help. To schedule your free consultation with an attorney, contact us online or by phone at (267) 551-8782.