If you have suffered injuries, property damages or other losses after a car accident, you may be entitled to fair compensation from the liable parties.
There are a few types of damages you could recover from a successful auto accident case. Here is what you should know:
Economic damages
These are the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses you’ve had (or will have) because of the accident. They are often easier to calculate because they’re tied to actual bills and receipts. Common examples include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medication, future medical care — anything related to treating your injuries – can be covered.
- Lost wages: If you had to miss work because of the accident, you can seek compensation for the income you lost — and even for lost future earnings if you’re unable to go back to your job.
- Property damage: This covers any personal property damaged in the crash – from your vehicle to the laptop you were transporting and more.
- Other out-of-pocket costs: You can claim compensation for rental cars, transportation to doctor’s appointments or modifications to your home if you’re dealing with a permanent disability.
Non-economic damages
Not all losses show up on a bill. Non-economic damages are designed to cover the more subjective, personal impacts of the accident. These can include:
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries are something that can be attached to a dollar amount – and you deserve compensation.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety and PTSD are common after serious accidents, especially when someone is injured.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can no longer do activities or hobbies you once loved, that’s a significant loss.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries have negatively impacted your relationship with your spouse or family, that may also deserve compensation.
Calculating non-economic damages can be more complex because everyone’s experience is different, and it’s not as easy to “put a price tag” on emotional harm. Experienced legal guidance usually plays a key role here.