Car accidents only take seconds to create turmoil. You will have property damage, injuries, and a messy financial situation on your hands.
Medical bills will pile up along with your other expenses, especially if you are unable to work due to your injuries. Fortunately, you can seek compensation for the damages from the at-fault party that caused the accident.
What Compensation Can Car Accident Victims Recover?
In most US states, any costs you have incurred as a result of your car accident injuries are economic damages. These have a tangible dollar amount that can be proven through receipts and medical bills. There is no cap on the amount of damages you may be awarded.
Non-economic damages can also be pursued, though they are tougher to prove because they do not have a set dollar amount. Here is a look at some of the most common types of economic and non-economic damages you can obtain.
Medical Damages
If you went to the emergency room, you may receive compensation for those expenses.
Additionally, any treatments to remedy your injuries sustained in the car crash are also considered. Your life may have been permanently affected by your injuries, and you may need multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
Property Damage
Most car accidents result in property damage.
You are entitled to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurer for the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle. Any valuable personal items that were in the car with you at the time of the crash may also be included as a factor in your compensation.
Lost Income
If you were unable to work while recovering from your injuries, you likely missed out on income and potential career opportunities.
Careful consideration must be given to how much your injury has impacted your ability to work and earn a living to determine a satisfactory amount for your losses. This may include all time missed from work due to injuries, lost promotions or advancements, and lost bonuses.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is one of the many non-economic damages you can pursue.
There are limits on how much you can collect for these types of damages. It is an amount awarded to compensate you for lost quality of life, depression, anxiety, mental anguish, inconvenience, disfigurement, and paralysis.
In Tennessee, for example, the cap for non-economic damages is set at $750,000. However, the cap is occasionally removed in cases that involve drunk or drugged drivers, particularly if they are convicted of a felony in connection with the accident.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, many car accidents end in fatality.
If you lost a loved one in a crash, you may be able to collect special damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
These damages may include medical bills, compensation for the pain and suffering your loved one endured from the moment of injury until their passing, funeral and burial costs, and loss of consortium.
USA statute of limitations is set at just one year from the date of the accident, making it imperative for you to file your claim quickly. So, don’t wait, and go now to consult a car accident attorney.
Most offer the initial consultation for free and can provide you with a wealth of legal advice about your case.