If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, then you’re probably worried about a lot right now. The most immediate concerns probably relate to your physical health and your financial wellbeing. After all, a car accident can leave both devastated. Many car accident victims don’t know where to turn for help, and they’re not even sure what kind of compensation they might be able to recover. We hope to shed some light on the topic here so that you know whether taking legal action is right for you.
Damages recoverable after a car accident
If you’re able to show that someone else’s negligence caused your accident and your injuries, then you might be entitled to a wide range of damages. Each of the following may be obtained through a successful personal injury lawsuit.
- Medical expenses: Your injuries are probably pretty costly to treat, even if you have insurance. Fortunately, a successful claim could lead to the recovery of not only the medical expenses that you’ve already incurred, but also expected medical expenses. Past and anticipated rehabilitation costs can fall into this category of recoverable damages, too.
- Lost wages: Even if you have paid time off, your accident injuries have probably left you with very little, if any income. This is all potentially recoverable through a personal injury claim. So are expected lost wages if your injuries are likely to prevent you from working in the future. You can also lump lost earnings capacity into this category if your injuries will limit the type or amount of work you’ll be able to perform in the future.
- Pain and suffering: These noneconomic damages encompass a lot and are oftentimes difficult to pin down in concrete terms. However, you can go a long way by making it clear to the other party, a judge, and/or a jury exactly how your injuries have impacted your life. Do you feel excruciating pain every morning? Are you unable to play with your children because of your injuries? This information can demonstrate what the defendant has taken from you and what you’re owed to compensate for it.
Know how to fight for what you deserve
Once you’ve identified your damages, you have to be prepared to fight for them. This means gathering evidence, including compelling witness testimony and documentation, and developing arguments that both support your position and defend you against allegations of wrongdoing. These can be challenging matters for those who are unfamiliar with the law, which is why skilled personal injury attorneys stand ready to help.