Car accident victims should have a basic understanding of the different types of damages that may be available to them through a personal injury claim if they have been injured in a car accident. If a negligent driver has injured the victim in a car accident, then a claim for damages against that negligent driver may be able to help with the victim’s physical, financial and emotional damages.
The first major category of damages that car accident victims may be able to receive compensation for is medical damages. Victims may be able to recover compensation for the costs associated with their medical care and treatment, even those that are expected to arise in the future. Additional damages may be available for disability and disfigurement if the victim has suffered disabling or disfiguring medical injuries.
Car accident damages can also include compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity. Lost wages are calculated based on the time the car accident victim must spend away from work, while lost earning capacity will focus on whether an individual winds up earning a reduced income as a result of being unable to return to their previous position. Lastly, victims may be able to recover compensation through a category of damages referred to pain and suffering damages. These damages can include compensation for loss of enjoyment of life and the general emotional trauma that arises from being injured in an unexpected car accident.
An unexpected car accident can seriously harm car accident victims who may be hurt when they are least expecting it as they are driving down the road to work or school or some other everyday activity. As a result, they should be familiar with the legal options available to help them with their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages.