Cars have become a necessity in this world. Cars provide a way to get from point a to point b. Sadly, some people forget how dangerous vehicles are and their impact if misused. It’s important to know you can file a claim to recover damages if you have been injured in a car accident; you need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on the best action.
Attorneys at our office will request information about the accident, including police reports and witness statements. We will also want to know about your medical treatment and prognosis. Based on this information, our team will advise you whether filing a claim is in your best interests.
If you decide to proceed with a claim, the next step is filing a complaint with the appropriate court. We will handle all legal paperwork and represent you during any hearings or trials. If your case is successful, you may be awarded damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
What Damages Can You Collect?
Many types of damages are collected in a car accident claim, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. Some of the most common types of damages that are awarded in car accident cases include:
1. Medical expenses. This can include both current and future medical bills, as well as any rehabilitation costs.
2. Lost wages. If you become unable to work due to the injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
3. Pain and suffering. This is non-economic damage that can be awarded for physical and emotional suffering.
4. Property damage. This can reimburse you for any damage to your vehicle or personal property.
5. Punitive damages. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded, and other damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault party for their negligence and deter similar behavior in the future.
What Can You Sue For?
You may be able to sue the other driver for a few different types of damages after a car accident. These include:
1. Compensatory damages – Compensatory damage is intended to compensate you for any losses you have suffered due to the accident. Compensation can include property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. Punitive damages – This damage is intended to punish the other driver for negligence or recklessness. It is typically only awarded in cases where the other driver’s actions were particularly egregious.
3. Emotional distress damages – This damage is intended to compensate you for any emotional trauma you have suffered as a result of the accident. Emotional trauma includes anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
4. wrongful death damages – This type of damage is intended to compensate the deceased victim’s family for their loss. This can include funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
The number of damages you will be able to collect will depend on the facts of your case. Speak with our experienced car accident attorneys to determine the damages you may be entitled to.
What If I’m A Passenger In A Car Accident?
You could recover damages from the at-fault driver if you were injured as a passenger. In most cases, passengers are not at fault for an accident. However, there are some instances where a passenger may be partially at fault. For example, if you were not wearing a seatbelt and were ejected from the vehicle, you may be found partially at fault.
You may be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you can recover damages. To learn more about your legal rights as a passenger in a car accident, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney today.
Depending on your case, you can recover one or more of these types of damages. Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you understand what types of damages you may be entitled to and build a strong case for recovery.