Published on: 01/05/23 — In Personal Injury - Auto Accident
When you’re in a car accident, there are many worries and concerns that arise, as approximately 5 million car accidents happen yearly in the U.S. One important aspect of this process is understanding how compensation works and what you can expect to receive. So, it is critical to know what damages you can collect for a car accident.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of damages you can receive after a car accident and provide some tips to help make navigating the compensation process as smooth as possible. For more information, call our Chicago accident attorney at Ktenas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation!
What are the Damages in Car Accidents?
Damages refer to the losses that have resulted from a car accident. These losses can be financial, physical, and/or emotional. When the other driver is at fault for the accident, they may be held liable for these damages. Generally, the more serious the injury or damage caused by the accident, the greater the compensation will be.
Differentiating Types of Car Accident Damages
It is very common to hear people refer to all car accident damages as “financial compensation.” While financial compensation may be available, there are actually two main types of damages available in a car accident case:
- Economic Damages - this includes money that you have to spend as a result of your injuries, such as medical costs, lost wages, and car repairs.
- Noneconomic Damages - This includes compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-financial losses.
Generally, here are the types of damages that you may be able to recover after a car accident:
Medical Expenses
Medical care expenses can include any costs related to treatment for physical injuries caused by the accident, such as hospital visits, medication, and rehabilitation.
You may also be able to recover costs associated with mental health services and long-term care if your injuries resulted in lasting physical or emotional trauma.
An injured person should always keep detailed records of their medical treatment in order to receive a fair settlement for any bodily injuries or wrongful deaths caused by the accident.
Lost Wages
If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages. This can include both past and future income that was impacted by the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a non-economic damages awards. This means that the court can assign a monetary value to the physical and emotional pain that the accident caused you. This can include costs related to physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological injuries caused by the incident.
Property Damage
If your car or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover costs associated with repair or replacement. This can include expenses related to parts, labor, and rental cars while your car is being fixed.
Punitive Damages
In addition to these types of damages, you may also be able to recover punitive damages from the at-fault driver. These are meant to punish the defendant for their reckless or negligent behavior and can include additional costs related to medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When evaluating what sort of compensation you may be entitled to after an accident, it's important to consider all of your damages and consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the laws in your state and fight for the maximum compensation possible. With the right legal representation, you can ensure that you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
When seeking compensation after a car accident, make sure to keep accurate records of all the expenses associated with your injuries. This includes medical bills, receipts for any medication or treatments you underwent, and statements from any doctors or psychologists who evaluated you. By keeping detailed records, you can provide your car accident lawyer with all the necessary evidence to help you recover the maximum compensation available.
Understanding the laws in your state, as well as the specific compensation that may be available to you after a car accident, is a crucial step in the process of recovering your losses. With the right legal representation through your personal injury attorney, you can make sure that you get the justice and compensation you deserve for treatment costs or future wages.
If You Want to Get Compensated For Your Car Accident, What Do You Need to Prove?
It is important to understand that there are certain steps you must take in order to recover damages after a car accident. In order to receive compensation, you must be able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This means that you must show that the other driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident.
Additionally, you must be able to prove that your injuries and losses were directly caused by the other driver’s actions. In some cases, a police report and eyewitness statements can help you make your case.
In addition to proving fault, you must also be able to prove the extent of your damages. This means showing that your losses were caused by the accident and that they were substantial. For example, you must be able to show how much money you lost in wages due to being unable to work. In addition, you should be able to demonstrate how much money was spent on medical treatments and repairs for your car or other property.
Finally, you must be able to show that your physical and emotional pain and suffering were a direct result of the accident. With the right evidence and legal representation, you can recover the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
What Determines the Size of Your Car Accident Settlement?
The amount of money you are entitled to for your car accident settlement is determined by the specific details of your case. Generally, the more severe your injuries, the more money you are likely to recover. However, there are other factors that can also affect your settlement amounts such as the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, the extent of damage to your car and other property, and the laws in your state.
It is also important to remember that every case is unique, so it is impossible to estimate the exact amount of your settlement without knowing all the details of your particular situation.
Getting Legal Help for Personal Injury Claim
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to get legal help as soon as possible. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process of filing a personal injury lawsuit and recovering compensation. They can also provide valuable advice on how to proceed with your case, what evidence you need to prove your case, and how much money you can expect for a settlement.
Whether you were the accident victim of a hit-and-run, a drunk driving accident, or any other type of crash, you can trust us at Ktenas Injury Lawyers to help you get the justice and fair compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to contact us today at (312) 300-2515 for a legal consultation and to learn more about your legal rights after a car accident.
