One of the most important aspects of recovering from a crash and getting back on your feet is understanding the damages you are entitled to with your car accident claim. This can help you seek fair compensation for the harm and losses you suffered, given the impact your injuries may have on your life.
The compensatory damages you can claim after a car accident are classified into economic and non-economic damages. Here is a brief overview of these damages.
Economic damages
The tangible and quantifiable losses arising from the accident are collectively known as economic damages. They include:
- Medical expenses – You are entitled to the cost of treatment for injuries sustained in the crash, such as hospital stays, surgery, medication, rehabilitation and future medical care related to the crash injuries.
- Lost income – You can claim the wages you lost or would have earned had you not been injured. This can also include future lost income if your injuries diminish your earning capacity.
- Property damage – You deserve compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and other property damaged in the accident, such as personal items inside the car.
You may also recover other accident-related expenses like transportation costs to and from medical appointments and modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your injuries.
Non-economic damages
As the name suggests, these damages are more subjective and do not have a fixed monetary value. They can include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
Non-economic damages may not have a direct financial impact, but they can significantly affect your quality of life and well-being. As such, you should not overlook them as they are a crucial component of your car accident claim.
It’s worth pointing out that the damages you can claim and the amount you can recover varies, depending on the circumstances of your crash. Factors like your contribution to the accident and whether your case warrants punitive damages can influence your final settlement.
Reaching out for legal guidance can help protect your interests through the settlement process and increase the odds of a favorable resolution of your claim.