A car accident can lead to serious physical strain on the body. However, victims may suffer from financial strain for weeks, months or years after a car accident. It is important for victims of car accidents to know what type of financial compensation they can recover when filing a personal injury claim.
Car accident victims may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages. Here is what you should know:
Economic damages
Economic damages refer to any kind of actual monetary loss that can be calculated. An economic loss can be shown on bills, receipts or pay stubs. Here are a few types of economic damages that can be recovered from a car accident:
- Medical bills: This can include coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications and medical equipment. Victims may also be eligible for anticipated medical expense coverage.
- Property damage: A victim’s vehicle may be severely damaged after a car accident. Compensation may cover any expenses to repair or replace the vehicle.
- Income loss: A victim may be unable to work after a car accident because of their injuries. This can lead to income and job loss. Compensation may cover a victim’s lost income.
The amount of economic damages a victim can recover can be determined by the total damages and the percentage of fault.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses caused by a car accident. Some examples of non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress a victim may experience after a car accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: A victim’s inability to enjoy and participate in activities as a result of their injuries.
- Scarring and disfigurement: A victim may suffer from permanent physical damage that leads to their emotional distress and impacts their life.
It is often harder to identify and recover compensation for non-economic damages.
Legal guidance is available to help victims of car accidents recover compensation for their injuries.
