If you have been injured as the result of someone else’s negligence while driving, you have the right to file a lawsuit for car accident damages.

 

Damages are monetary compensation for the physical and mental losses you have suffered.

However, collecting compensation isn’t as easy as filing a car accident lawsuit. You will need to prepare in case your claim goes to trial, where the other party will try to reduce the amount that they have to pay out by poking holes in your case.

 

Protect your right to damages so you can be fairly compensated by hiring an expert car accident lawyer. You need someone on your side, defending you and taking the stress out of crafting your case so you can focus on healing.

 

Our firm is here for you. Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation with one of our car accident lawyers.

 

Types of Car Accident Damages to Sue For

Car accident lawsuits are a form of personal injury and property damage lawsuits, where your lawyer will work to get you maximum compensation. The compensation reimburses you for the financial losses that you have suffered as a result of your injuries and property damage.

 

Many car accident victims leave money on the table because they aren’t aware of the types of damages that they can file a lawsuit for. If you only file for property damages or financial losses, such as bills, you could lose thousands of dollars.

Work with an experienced car accident attorney to collect all of the damages that you are legally entitled to.

 

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the most common type of damage filed in a car accident case. These cover economic or financial losses that you suffered due to the accident.

Financial damages can be easily calculated by looking at receipts from medical expenses and payroll for lost wages. These figures are difficult to argue with, making them one of the easiest types of damages to win.

 

Economic damages include:

 

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Costs of repairs to your vehicle
• Cost of a temporary vehicle
• Loss of employment
• Loss of use of property

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to a loss that was not financial. However, these losses can gain greater compensatory amounts, as they can cause a more significant burden. Typically, these damages refer to mental suffering and distress that results from being the victim of a car accident.

 

For example, some victims may develop a fear of driving that forever alters their ability to function. Without being able to get in a vehicle, they could lose their job and be unable to support their family.

 

The significant consequences of non-economic damages are best argued by a car accident attorney who has seen first-hand how much suffering these losses can cause.

 

Non-economic damages include:

 

• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Scarring or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded for the purpose of punishment by the court. They are meant to deter actions that are negligent or malicious. For example, drunk drivers are often charged with punitive damages.

 

The damages are different from economic and non-economic damages, as they are not meant to compensate the victim for a loss. Rather, they are to punish the offender for their fault and to deter others like them from repeating their actions.

 

Wrongful Death Damages

In the most heartbreaking circumstances, car accidents can lead to the death of a loved one.

 

Since the loved one has passed away, they are unable to collect for certain losses. However, the courts recognize that an individual’s family suffers significant losses when they lose a loved one.

 

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to file for the following damages:

 

• Loss of consortium
• Loss of economic contribution to the household
• Loss of household labor
• Your pain and suffering
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Funeral expenses

Steps to File a Car Accident Lawsuit for Damages

1. Document the damages – At the scene, you will need to document the damages done to your vehicle and your person. Take photos of any injuries and damage to your vehicle to prove that they were caused on the scene.
2. Investigate for evidence – Although police will file an accident report, you need to do your own investigation. Speak with witnesses to get their testimony. Exchange information with the other driver. Check weather conditions and road obstructions for potential alternative causes of the accident.
3. Seek medical attention – Always seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured. Your doctor may discover an injury that would have taken days to appear. Early diagnosis means early recovery.
4. Contact a car accident lawyer – Call an expert car accident attorney to determine your next steps in crafting your case. They will help you file the paperwork and hire experts to develop your case.
5. Prove negligence – To collect damages in a car accident lawsuit, you need to prove negligence on the part of the defendant. You do this by proving that they had a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that their breach directly caused your injuries.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer to Get Maximum Compensation

There is a right way to handle a lawsuit for car accident damages. If you have been injured in an accident, don’t file your claim alone. Get the assistance of trial-tested car accident attorneys who will get you the maximum compensation.

Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation.