Suffering a car accident is a traumatic experience. The physical, emotional, and financial repercussions can be overwhelming.
However, if you’re injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. So here’s a detailed guide to the various types of personal injury car accident damages you may be eligible for in the aftermath:
Economic Damages
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are those with a verifiable monetary value. These are the expenses that you can easily attribute a dollar amount to. Economic damages for a vehicle collision typically include:
Medical Bills
This is the first and most substantial economic loss for many accident victims. It encompasses emergency room treatment, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. It also covers any rehabilitative services needed to facilitate your recovery.
Lost Wages
If your injuries require you to take time off from work, you can claim the income you would have earned.
Property Damage
The costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle are part of your economic claim. If personal items in the car are damaged, such as a laptop or cellphone, you can claim those as well.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs include any expenses you may have incurred for travel to and from medical appointments or while your vehicle is being repaired. This can also include the cost of renting a car.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic awards for damages, often referred to as general damages, are more difficult to quantify as they involve intangible losses. They are no less significant in the aftermath of an accident and may include:
Pain and Suffering
This category is meant to compensate you for the physical pain you’ve experienced due to your injuries. It also takes into account the emotional toll the accident has had on you, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Some injuries can impact your quality of life, preventing you from participating in activities that you once enjoyed. You may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Any permanent cosmetic changes as a result of the accident can be compensated. This can impact your mental and emotional well-being.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, a court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or malicious behavior. These damages are not meant to compensate you but rather serve as a deterrent and discourage similar behavior in the future.
The Standard on Capping Compensation
Several states have caps or a maximum amount that can be awarded. These caps vary widely between states and apply to one or all types of damages.
Always consult a local attorney to understand the laws in your jurisdiction and how they may affect your car crash case. They can offer lots of help especially if the cost of recovery may exceed $100,000. They may also inform you if there are limits on punitive damages or other specific types of compensation.
A Personal Injury Car Accident Is More Than Just Physical Damages
A personal injury car accident can cause tremendous physical, emotional, and financial pain. The burden of medical treatment and lost wages can be crushing, but you don’t have to bear it alone. With the help of an experienced personal injury accident attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages and losses.
Remember, it’s not just about physical damage. You deserve to be compensated for all losses stemming from the accident.
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