After you have gone through an accident, your mind may be racing because of the consequences you have to deal with. Following an injury, the aftermath of an accident presents additional challenges, such as expenses related to medical bills and vehicle damage. The specific damages victims are able to recover after an accident is different for every case. You can learn about the different types of damages and what you can recover.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
As highly skilled lawyers from a litigation law firm can explain, like ones from Brown Kiely, LLP, in a personal injury case damages are categorized as either economic or non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to items like medical costs, wages, and property damage. A detailed explanation of common types of damages is described below:
- Medical expenses. For victims who have been injured after being involved in an accident, medical bills are one of the most pressing issues. Though your insurance may cover a portion of the expenses, it may not include every bill, especially if you sustained multiple injuries or suffered injuries that are moderate to severe. The cost of medication, assistive medical devices, and rehabilitative services are expenses that may not be fully covered by your health insurance plan.
- Lost earnings. Victims can obtain compensation for their missed or reduced wages. The amount of money a victim could or would have made had they not been injured is calculated through pay stubs, invoices, tax returns, and other documents that show proof of income.
- Property damage. If you were seriously injured, a personal injury lawyer can recover property damage which includes vehicle damage, such as the cost of repairs to your car. Factors they may consider include the market value of your car and whether it’s still in working condition.
- Non-economic damages. This category mainly refers to past, present, and future general pain and suffering. It also includes decreased quality of life and loss of enjoyment in activities.
An accident is a traumatic experience for many people. You may not feel confident about your ability to conclude the case on successful terms, considering the many complex factors involved. However, it’s important that you inform a lawyer about your situation so they can explain what options are available. Take urgent action as soon as you sustain an injury after an accident that occurred through no fault of your own. Schedule a consultation with a highly skilled and respected lawyer who has successfully handled personal injury cases.