Auto accidents can be traumatic, leading to rippling effects for victims. A victim could suffer life-long injuries, affecting their ability to work, their financial stability and their enjoyment in life. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and financial losses with a successful motor vehicle accident claim.
There are several types of damages victims should be aware of so they can collect documents and recover maximum compensation — because knowledge really is power. Learning more about what might be possible can help victims better advocate for themselves when they have a claim.
Economic damages
Economic damages are actual financial losses that can be identified with a bill or receipt and are the most commonly recovered damages in car accident cases. The following includes several types of economic damages:
- Medical bills: Hospital stay, future medical care, medication, rehabilitation and surgery
- Property damages: Vehicle electronic or other property replacement or repair costs
- Funeral costs: Burial or cremation costs for a wrongful death
- Wage loss: Loss of income during recovery and future income loss
Victims may obtain the money directly to pay for their bills and secure financial stability with a successful auto accident case.
Non-economic damages
Many losses can not be easily replaced with money. However, money can help supplement certain losses, such as non-economic damages. Non-economic damages include intangible losses, such as emotional turmoil, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment from life, pain and disfigurement. The amount of non-economic damages victims can recover is subjective because there is no easily quantifiable financial proof of loss.
Legal guidance can help victims prepare their cases against liable parties and recover fair damages for their losses.