What Type of Damages Can Be Pursued After a Car Accident?
A serious car accident can leave you with more than just repair shop invoices and medical bills. It can turn your life upside down physically, mentally, and emotionally. When someone else caused that accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
But what specifically do car accident damages cover, and what can you do to maximize your compensation?
Why Legal Help Makes a Difference in Your Claim
The goal of every insurance adjuster is to protect company profits, which means they will fight to reduce your car accident compensation in any way they can. This can include blaming you for the accident, downplaying your injuries, seeking recorded statements to use against you, or offering quick, lowball settlements before you know the true value of your claim.
When you work with an experienced car accident attorney, they can help counter these insurance company tactics by building a strong case with substantial evidence, calculating your maximum compensation, and aggressively advocating for you at the negotiating table.
Understanding All Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident
Personal injury damages are designed to account for the financial losses (economic damages) and physical and emotional trauma (non-economic damages) caused by the incident. Here are some of the most common types of damages in car accidents:
Economic Damages
These damages cover the tangible financial losses you’ve suffered, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are intended to compensate you for the impact the accident has had on your life and personal well-being, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
Although far less common, punitive damages can be awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless or even malicious, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The intent is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How to Maximize Your Compensation
Maximizing compensation requires you to gather a substantial body of evidence while also avoiding some critical errors.
Documentation to Gather
You can prove your injuries, connect them to the accident, and establish the at-fault party’s liability with evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Medical records and medical bills
- Employment letters regarding lost wages
- Expert testimony
Your attorney can help you gather all this evidence, calculate your losses, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Mistakes to Avoid That Could Lower Your Payout
While building your case for car accident claim damages, be sure to avoid:
- Giving recorded statements to insurers without seeking legal advice
- Posting about your accident on social media
- Failing to follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Accepting quick settlements before knowing the full extent of your injuries
Insurers are trained to trip you up so they can reduce your payout. Protect yourself by letting your attorney handle all communications on your behalf.
Contact Our Binghamton Car Accident Lawyer for Help
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights. The legal team at Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney knows how to fight for maximum compensation. Contact us today for your free consultation.
