If you were in an auto accident, it can help to be aware of the damages you can pursue through a personal injury claim. Generally speaking, there are two types of damages that can generally be collected in a car accident case: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those that are easily quantified, while non-economic damages are more subjective. Here is what you should know about each:
Economic damages
After a car accident, it’s not uncommon to have serious injuries. As a result, you may require surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, medical equipment and time spent in a medical facility. You could also require future health care for your injuries. Medical expenses are a type of economic damage that could be recovered in a successful auto accident case.
A car accident may have also damaged your vehicle. Or, your vehicle could be broken beyond repair. The repair cost of your vehicle or the rental cost could lead to out-of-pocket expenses — all of which require compensation.
Finally, your medical condition may make it hard for you to work while you recover, so you may experience lost wages until you recover from your injuries. Those, too, can be part of the economic damages you recover.
Non-economic damages
Pain and suffering is one of the most common forms of non-economic damages. Pain and suffering could be physical or psychological, and this part of your claim can be significant.
For example, the constant soreness or pain from a medical condition could lead to non-economic damages if the pain impedes your daily activities and negatively affects your quality of life. Another kind of non-economic damage could include the loss of companionship if a spouse dies in a car accident. Determining the cost of these damages can take more time.
Experienced legal guidance can help you assert your rights and make sure that your car accident claim is properly valued.