Car accidents can lead to costly vehicle damages and painful personal injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to claim damages. A car accident lawyer can help you receive compensation for all the damages you incurred. Below are different types of damages that you can claim in a car accident lawsuit:
Property Damages
Auto accidents often cause vehicle and property damage, which can be expensive to replace. Property damage refers to any damage your car or personal belongings sustained due to the accident. These claims can include repair costs, rental car expenses, or even total loss of the vehicle. Save your repair bills, estimates, receipts, and photos of the car damages to present to your car accident lawyer.
Medical Expenses
Accidents can lead to serious injuries and long-term health implications. Common injuries caused by car accidents include broken bones, whiplash, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, and loss of vision. Medical expenses refer to all of the costs incurred while treating your injuries. This includes charges for doctor visits, surgical procedures, copays, prescriptions, physical therapy sessions, and any other related medical procedures. Always keep track of medical bills, doctors’ statements, and payment receipts for your case.
Lost Wages
Injuries caused by a car accident can lead to missed workdays, reduced work hours, or even job loss, potentially impacting financial stability. Lost wage claims refer to the income you missed due to your inability to work after the accident. Your attorney can also factor in the future income you may miss out on due to your injuries. Keep track of all the workdays missed, pay stubs, and employer letters.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages may be awarded to help compensate for the physical and emotional pain you have endured due to the car accident. This includes compensation for past, present, and future pain and suffering. If you have sustained severe injuries and cannot pursue your favorite hobby or sport, you may be entitled to claim damages for the reduction in quality of life.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress can include anxiety, depression, fear, trauma, and stress. These damages can be either permanent or temporary. If you developed post-traumatic stress disorder due to the accident, you may be entitled to claim damages for it. The damages awarded for emotional distress claims may depend on the provided evidence, such as medical diagnosis or expert testimony.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the damages that a spouse or family member can claim due to the injuries caused by the car accident. It includes compensation for the loss of intimacy, companionship, support, and guidance that the victim’s family suffered due to the accident. If the victim is in a coma due to the accident, a spouse or close family member may be entitled to claim loss of consortium. Damages awarded for loss of consortium can vary, depending on the type of relationship and the extent of the injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or negligent behavior. To claim punitive damages, your attorney may need to prove that the defendant acted with malice or a willful disregard for the safety of others. Examples of such behavior include drunk driving, reckless driving, or driving under the influence of drugs.
Wrongful Death
You could file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one died in a car accident due to someone else’s fault. Wrongful death lawsuits seek to compensate surviving family members for their loss of love and financial support. These claims also intend to reduce the burden of funeral expenses, medical bills, and emotional suffering.
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Hire a Reputable Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing the damages you can claim when filing a car accident lawsuit can help you maximize your compensation. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney for help navigating car accident claims and lawsuits. They can guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for your legal rights.
