A car accident is a life-threatening and traumatic experience for anyone. Based on the extent of the accident, the victim may sustain
- Physical injuries
- Financial losses
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
When the car accident was caused by the negligence or intentional action of someone else, the victim can claim compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance firm.
Calculating compensation in a car accident is not just about money but also about accountability and justice. As a victim, you have the right to get compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses from the at-fault party. So before submitting a claim, you should know about the types of compensation.
Read on to learn about the different types of compensation that the victim can claim after a car accident:
Medical Expenses
After the car crash, the victim has to pay for current and future medical needs. The victim can seek compensation for their medical expenses, like
- Physical therapy
- Hospital stays
- Ongoing treatment
- Surgery
- Future medical care
With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can easily claim this compensation from the at-fault party.
Lost Income
Basically, the victim’s physical injuries after a car accident can make them unable to work for a few days, a few months, or even a few years. This may cause the victim to suffer a loss of income and not be able to meet everyday expenses, which can be overwhelming for everyone involved. Victims can seek compensation for the time they missed work.
In the event that the car crash causes a permanent disability, the victim can also seek compensation for the loss of future income.
Pain and Suffering and Emotional Distress
Injuries aren’t just physical. Some victims may suffer from
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Depression
- Mental anguish
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- PTSD
The damages listed above come under non-economic damages. They are calculated based on the impact they have on the day-to-day life of the victim.
Property Damage
If the accident caused severe damage to the victim’s property (like vehicles, smartphones, or jewelry), then the victim can claim compensation under property damage. To prove property damage, the victim has to submit relevant evidence that mentions the sum spent on repairing or replacing damaged property.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment of life comes under non-economic damages. It is awarded to victims who are unable to enjoy life or activities that they used to enjoy before the car accident.
Here are the various factors to keep in mind while proving the loss of enjoyment of life:
- The severity to which the physical injuries have limited the activities of the victim
- Interests and hobbies of the victim
- Victim’s social life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a rare type of compensation that the victim can receive after a car collision. This type of compensation is designed particularly to punish the at-fault party for their malicious or egregious behavior and to deter them and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. It is not based on the victim’s actual losses or the negligent person’s ability to pay. Punitive damages are only applicable when the at-fault party acted with gross recklessness or with the intention to harm the victim.
To claim punitive damages, the victim has to prove that the at-fault party acted with a high level of blame or disrespect for the victim’s legal rights and safety.
Final Thoughts
A car accident will impact the financial condition of the victim and their family members. In addition to financial losses, a car accident can also severely injure the victim or cause a disability that they will carry for the rest of their lives.
To get some level of normalcy back, the victim has to approach an experienced car accident lawyer to find out how to seek fair compensation for their losses or injuries.