As discussed in our previous blog post, there are various reasons for compensation after a car accident, so it’s crucial to understand the types of damages that can be awarded. There are six types that will be discussed in this blog, and they are necessary to know in order to ensure that you are taking the steps and documenting all elements for your case.
Medical Expenses
One of the most immediate and significant types of damages is compensation for medical expenses. This includes:
1. Emergency Care: Costs for ambulance rides, emergency room visits, and initial treatments.
2. Hospitalization: Expenses for any hospital stays or surgeries.
3. Rehabilitation: Costs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehab needed for recovery.
4. Future Medical Expenses: If your injuries require ongoing treatment or future surgeries, you may be able to recover these costs as well.
Lost Wages
Injuries from a car accident can prevent you from working, leading to lost income. Damages for lost wages include:
1. Current Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period.
2. Future Lost Earnings: If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
Property Damage
This covers the costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident. This category includes:
1. Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: Costs to fix your car or, if it’s totaled, the cost of a replacement.
2. Other Property: Compensation for damage to personal items in the vehicle, like electronics or
clothing.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can be more subjective but is crucial in reflecting the true impact of the accident on your life. It includes:
1. Physical Pain: Compensation for the discomfort and pain endured from the injuries.
2. Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, or other emotional effects of the
accident.
Loss of Consortium
This type of damage compensates for the impact the accident has on your relationships with your spouse or family. It addresses the loss of companionship and support that results from your injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment
If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you previously enjoyed, you may be awarded damages for loss of enjoyment of life. This compensates for the reduced quality of life due to the accident.
Your Role: Understanding the damages that you may be entitled to after a car accident is necessary in order to know what documentation may be helpful to maintain. For instance, you will likely need all hospital records and bills. While the more you can gather and maintain the better, it is also essential to have an attorney on your team to help create the full picture of the impact the car accident had on your life. Each of the damages above requires specific evidence, and to do this, you need an attorney with experience and expertise.
