Car accidents can be caused by negligence, speeding, aggression, drowsiness, distractions, substance use and much more. Victims of auto accidents can suffer traumatic injuries that can impair their daily lives. If a victim pursues the driver in an auto accident claim, the victim may be able to recover compensation for their losses.
There are two categories of damages that can be collected in an auto accident claim: economic and non-economic damages. Here is what you should know:
What are economic damages?
Economic damages are objectively verifiable monetary losses that can be discovered with documentation. A typical kind of economic damage in a car accident is medical expenses. Victims may have medical expenses if they have to undergo surgery or therapy, stay in a healthcare facility, use medicine or medical equipment or have any kind of evaluation after a car accident.
Another kind of economic damage is property damage. Because auto accidents typically involve the collision of two vehicles, the victim in the accident could recover damages for vehicle repairs or rental costs. Home and business owners may also seek compensation if an auto accident caused property damage.
If someone was fatally injured in a car accident, the victim’s surviving family members could pursue the driver for damages. These damages could be used to cover the costs of funeral expenses and lost income.
A victim may suffer from injuries that prevent them from gaining substance income. In other words, they may no longer be able to work because of long-term disabilities or suffer injuries that temporarily prevent them from working. A victim could also pursue damages for lost wages.
What are non-economic damages?
Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses. A kind of non-economic damage is pain and suffering, which can include constant physical pain and mental distress. Non-economic damages can also include loss of companionship and disfigurement, for example.
Legal guidance can help victims identify economic and non-economic damages for their auto accident case.