A motor vehicle accident occurs suddenly but can cause long-term consequences. Medical expenses, lost wages and pain are among the many consequences experienced by those in a serious motor vehicle accident.
A person injured in a motor vehicle accident is ordinarily entitled to compensation for damages from their insurance company or, in some cases, the driver responsible for the accident. The commonly recoverable damages are summarized below.
Medical expenses
Among the significant financial costs following a motor vehicle accident is medical expenses.
A person may suffer broken bones, soft-tissue injuries or traumatic brain injuries, resulting in substantial medical bills. This can include rehabilitation costs, in-home services during your recovery period and estimated future medical expenses.
Pain and suffering
A person with serious injuries may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, including compensation for disfigurement and mental health conditions that result from the accident.
Lost wages
An accident can also significantly impact a person’s ability to earn a living.
An injured person is ordinarily entitled to compensation for uncompensated lost wages during a period of recovery. Additionally, if an accident reduces a person’s long-term earning capacity, the motorist is entitled to compensation for the lost earning capacity.
Other damages
In limited cases involving particularly serious injuries, the spouse of a severely injured person can recover damages for loss of consortium and companionship. In essence, these damages compensate for harm to the marital relationship caused by the accident.
In accidents caused by especially egregious conduct, a person may be entitled to punitive damages, which are damages intended to punish an irresponsible driver.
