Car accidents are painful and stressful, especially when it comes to claiming damages. They are a substantial recipe for a financial burden for the victims who have to stay at home nursing injuries as they spend money on medication and abscond to work.
As the victim, the money awarded to you by the court as compensation for the misfortune is termed damages. Damages are awarded regardless of whether the accident was intentional due to reckless driving or negligence from the defendant.
There are different types of damage. The following are some of the damages you can qualify for after an accident:
1.Medical Expenses
Being involved in a car accident qualifies you for injuries as serious as paralysis or surgery-related or minor injuries such as bruises and light cuts. In worst-case scenarios, death is involved, and a big emotional and financial effect is created on the family members.
Some injuries are not immediately noticed as they may be internal and require further medical attention. Some of the medical expenses include:
- Ambulance fees
- Physical and cognitive therapy
- Consultation fee with health experts
- Permanent disability cases
- Accessories need such as crutches and wheelchairs
In case of further medical attention, your doctor calculates the needed expenses and the amount presented to your attorney to help you claim what is rightfully yours.
2.Property Damage
Property damage is a type of economic loss that is easy to calculate. If your car is slightly damaged during the accident, you may receive funding to cover the repairing costs. Similarly, if the car is damaged beyond repair, the insurance may cover the cost to compensate you with a new car. You can prove the extent of the damage through:
- Accident scene pictures
- Photos of the damaged car
- Testimony from witnesses
- Bill receipts stating the amount used for repair services
The property damage claims are not handled together with the personal injury claims, but the at-fault driver insurance company still compensates you.
3.Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are equivalent to both mental and physical distress. One is qualified to claim for the pain and suffering damages in a lawsuit and demand compensation for the distress caused.
The compensation of such damages depends on the extent of distress and pain caused to the victim. The mental disturbances caused can either be anxiety or stress, and some states qualify such damages to be included as a general loss of enjoyment of life.
However, some juries in particular states may dismiss the pain and suffering damage claims as obvious incidents during accidents. Such damages may also not be administered immediately, as some victims require a certain amount of time to be conscious and make claims from a conscious mind.
4.Loss of Affection or Companionship
If the victim is married, the impact caused by the accident may cause shortcomings such as the ability to shoe affection and hinder sexual activities in the marriage, which is termed as a loss of consortium. Consortium loss is derivative, and the victim only claims such types of compensation when they succeed on their injury claim.
These types of compensation are claimed by the spouse who is not injured as they are most affected when their spouse is nursing physical and mental suffering.
Wage Losses
Injuries caused during accidents can prevent the victim from working hence receiving no payment. These accidents are stressful and may result in one missing out on work and spending their savings to go to the hospital to treat the resulting accident injuries.
These types of compensation account for the career advancement and bonuses that the victim may have gained when they were fit for work. If the injuries caused prevent you from working in the future, you might also be compensated for the loss of earning capacity.
To prove the lost wages damages, the victim has to provide recent paychecks stating the amount they usually earn and proof of the opportunities they have lost while nursing their injuries. A car accident attorney can help you with the process of claiming the wage losses.
When you get involved in an accident, the affected party is given various types of compensation. These types of compensation are divided into two categories; general and special damages, also known as economic and non-economic damages.
You have to seek the help of an attorney to help you claim the damages you want after an accident; otherwise, it may be difficult to claim what you need.
As a driver, you have the legal duty to drive at a reasonable speed and observe road instructions to keep everyone safe. Ensure you maintain control of your car and keep a proper lookout to avoid negligence.
