In cases of serious car accidents, the injured party or their surviving relatives can pursue auto accident damages from the liable party. Car accident damages are divided into two categories, economic and non-economic damages, and attempt to place the car accident victim in the place they were prior to the car crash. Car accident compensation is awarded through trial verdicts or car accident settlements, which are negotiated before the case reaches court.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, you may be entitled to financial damages. To find out if you can seek car accident compensation, fill out our free case review form to speak with an auto accident attorney today.
Economic auto accident damages, also known as compensatory damages, attempt to compensate the injured car crash victim for their monetary losses. Common economic damages awarded in car accident lawsuits include:
Medical Expenses: This auto accident damage compensates the victim for medical costs incurred as a result of the car crash. This may include fees for emergency room visits, hospital care, surgery, assistive devices and appointments with medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors. If you can estimate the cost of your medical care, your car accident lawyer may be able to determine the approximate worth of your claim. In general, medical costs are used as a reference for determining the fairness of your damage award.
Future Medical Expenses: If the car accident victim can prove that they will need continued medical care as a result of the crash, they may be able to recover the cost of future medical expenses. The amount of this car accident damage will be based on the opinions of the victim's treating physicians.
Lost Wages: Injured car accident victims may be able to recover compensation for wages lost between the time of the injury and the conclusion of the lawsuit. If the injured victim was unemployed at the time of the accident, they may be awarded lost wages if they can demonstrate what they could have earned during this time period.
Loss of earning capacity: This auto accident damage may be awarded if the plaintiff can demonstrate that their ability to make money has been negatively impacted. Although past wages are considered when determining the amount of this award, the jury will typically look to establish what the victim could have earned had the car accident not occurred.
Non-economic car accident damages award the plaintiff for non-financial losses. Car accident damages for non-monetary losses are typically harder to quantify and may include compensation for the following:
Pain and Suffering: This car accident damage is awarded to compensate the victim for the physical pain suffered as a result of their injuries. The jury will examine the nature of the injury, the extent of the pain and the length of time the victim is expected to suffer.
Mental Anguish: Victims can also be awarded for emotional pain suffered as a result of their car accident. Mental anguish damages compensate the victim for fright, embarrassment, nervousness, worry, grief and other forms of emotional distress caused by the accident. If the car accident victim became disfigured after the accident, they may be able to recover compensation for mental anguish.
Loss of Consortium: If a car accident lawsuit is successful, the uninjured spouse may be able to recover damages for loss of marital benefits, including companionship, sexual relations, affection and comfort. A jury will typically examine the following when awarding damages for loss of consortium: the stability of the marriage; the life expectancy of both partners; the degree to which marital benefits have been lost; and the amount of care and companionship given to the uninjured spouse.
Our car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured victims file auto accident claims and fully recover from their losses. We aggressively fight on behalf of car accident victims to help them receive the maximum compensation under law. Additionally, our motor vehicle accident attorneys will handle the personal side of your loss. We can structure your damage settlements to ensure financial stability for you and your loved ones and will stay personally involved through every step of your car accident lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, contact one of our auto accident attorneys today. We provide experienced and compassionate representation and offer a free case review to all potential clients.
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