If you were involved in a car accident, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the negligent driver liable for your accident. Many accident victims want to know how much they can expect to recover following a motor vehicle accident, but the amount will depend on a number of factors including the type of compensation and severity of the injuries.
There are two main types of damages: economic and non-economic. Generally, all subtypes of compensation fall under one of those two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
Economic damages refer to damages that are quantifiable. In other words, economic damages are generally based on bills and invoices from health care providers, employers, occupational experts, and auto repair shops. Common examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses – The costs of past and future treatment, including everything from initial ambulance costs and hospital stays to rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – Many accident victims are unable to work due to injury for many days and weeks following the accident, and can recover damages for lost income during that time.
- Loss of earning capacity – If an accident victim cannot return to the job they worked before the accident due to their injuries, they may recover damages for their diminished earning capacity.
- Property damage – Repair costs or diminished value of a vehicle damaged in the accident may also be included under economic damages.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are not quantifiable, making them harder to calculate the economic damages. Accident victims often recover non-economic damages for:
- Physical pain and suffering – Accident victims often suffer a great deal of pain and suffering at the time of the accident and throughout the recovery process.
- Mental anguish – Accidents can trigger a number of psychological conditions including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety.
- Disfigurement and impairment – Any permanent pain or injury resulting from the accident (e.g. loss of limb, scarring) that affects the victim’s day-to-day life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – The loss of the victim’s quality of life after an accident, whether temporary or permanent due to paralysis.
- Loss of companionship – The accident victim may not be able to interact with loved ones as they used to before the accident.
Recovering both economic and non-economic damages after an accident can be challenging. A personal injury attorney can help build a strong case in your favor to help you recover the compensation you deserve.