A car accident can disrupt many areas of a person’s life. From expensive medical bills and repair costs to valuable time spent away from work, injured victims may have grounds to file a legal claim against those responsible in pursuit of a wide …
A car accident can disrupt many areas of a person’s life. From expensive medical bills and repair costs to valuable time spent away from work, injured victims may have grounds to file a legal claim against those responsible in pursuit of a wide range of damages. While the exact extent and applicability of these damages will vary on a case-by-case basis, there are certain categories which are far more common than others.
Common types of damages claimed in personal injury lawsuits related to car accidents include:
- Medical expenses: From treatment for minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries and paralysis, car accidents can cause injured victims to accumulate mass amounts of medical debt on the road to recovery. Medical bills from a car accident can include physical and cognitive therapy, ambulance fees, consultations, crutches and heat pads, disfigurement, permanent disability, and in-home medical treatments. If a motorist is held liable for the death of another party, the victim’s surviving family may also file a claim for wrongful death in addition to any medical costs incurred between the accident and time of death.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering is legally defined as the mental or physical distress for which a plaintiff may seek compensation in a lawsuit. Damages for pain and suffering will vary based on the type of injury sustained, its severity, and the likelihood of future pain associated with the injury. Pain and suffering may also be related to mental or emotional anxiety caused by an accident. While pain and suffering damages are calculated differently from state to state, many apply a certain value multiplier to a plaintiff’s total amount of “economic damages,” or calculable losses.
- Lost wages: Car accidents frequently cause injured plaintiffs to miss work for an extended period of time without pay, with more serious injuries permanently reducing their earning capacity. These damages may also include income lost due to time spent in physical therapy, issues with mobility, or other factors which prevent a person from earning their usual wages. While lost wages can be easily proven by pay stubs, damages for lost future income will be based largely on a plaintiff’s age, occupation, skills, experience, and life expectancy.
- Loss of affection: For individuals who are married, a car accident injury could permanently deprive them of their ability to show affection, including sexual activity, with their spouse. This is legally known as “loss of consortium.” Unlike other types of damages, loss of consortium is claimed by an uninjured spouse. Likewise, if a motorist should pass away from injuries sustained in a car accident, the victim’s surviving family may claim loss of companionship.
DISCUSS YOUR CLAIM WITH A NEW BRAUNFELS CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our top-rated New Braunfels car accident attorneys at Kyle Law Firm can provide the premier-quality legal advocacy you need to maximize your financial recovery. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to deliver the positive results you need.
Dial (830)-730-4215 or complete an online form today to schedule your free case review.
