If you have suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision caused by another person’s wrongful, negligent, or reckless actions, you may be entitled to financial recovery. Compensation for a motor vehicle collision often includes the following damages:
Economic Damages: These damages refer to the measurable losses that an individual suffers after an accident. Economic damages can include:
- Medical expenses for past, present, and future medical costs such as doctor visits, the need for assistive medical devices, emergency room visits, hospital stay, prescription medications, and surgeries
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Personal property damages, including loss of use of a vehicle and/or diminished resale value
- Modifications to a home or vehicle to accommodate a disability
- Rehabilitative therapy expenses, including physical and occupational therapy
- At-home nursing care expenses
- Household replacement services expenses such as childcare help, cleaning services, and even grocery shopping assistance
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the collision
Non-economic Damages: These damages refer to the subjective losses that result from an accident. Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a limb
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Loss of reputation
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages: In addition, you may seek punitive damages following your accident. Unlike compensatory damages, which compensate the victim for their losses, punitive damages correct the defendant’s actions.
Typically, courts only award punitive damages when they want to punish the defendant for their egregious and/or intentional actions in order to deter others from committing this act in the future. Before you can obtain punitive damages, you will need to show, through clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant’s actions were intentional or grossly negligent.
It is key to note that compensation for a motor vehicle collision oftentimes comes as a lump-sum settlement; thus, it is important that you present all your proof of damages in order to get a fair and comprehensive evaluation of your case during settlement negotiations. Also, you only have a limited time to present your damages for consideration before the statute of limitations expires. After this date, you would no longer be able to pursue your case against the negligent third party. This statute of limitations is normally two years from the incident date, but this may vary depending on various circumstances.
In order to receive a full and fair evaluation of your damages mentioned herein, it is essential for you to have an experienced law firm representing your interests in your case. At MAS law, we will ensure that your rights are protected and you get the maximum value from your injuries and damages. Our team of case managers and attorneys will organize and analyze all the documentation to bolster your case against the negligent third party. In addition, we will present your injuries and damages during settlement negotiations in a way to get you the maximum value during the one opportunity given to fully compensate you.