Some motorists are careless when on the road. Overspending, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and distracted driving are some of the negligence that causes car accidents. Sometimes, a driver may fail to stop for a pedestrian, run a red light, forget to turn on headlights, especially at night, and much more.
Because of a lack of reasonable care, a driver may injure other passengers, motorists, or pedestrians. As a result, the driver will be financially liable for injuries and damages that other people incur.
This article will tell you about the 5 types of damages you can claim compensation for and what you need to prove in a personal injury lawsuit.
Types of Injuries in a Car Accident
Car accident injuries and damages can be costly. They can also impact your life and that of your family negatively. Amidst all the overwhelming moments, the personal injury lawyer Los Angeles affirms that you can navigate the legal process with their help. With the help of knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyers, you can fight for your rights successfully.
Here are the basic types of car accident injuries and damages that you can consider seeking.
1. Medical Expenses
There is a broader range of car accident injuries. You can get a few bruises or serious injuries leading to permanent disability or paralysis. Still, some injuries may be outrightly noticeable, while others may become evident after a thorough medical examination. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo a checkup after a car accident.
Some of the popular medical expenses that arise after a car accident include:
- Brain injury
- Consultations
- Accessories
- In-home services
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement, etc
A personal injury lawyer can help calculate any other cost that may arise due to the additional medical treatment or therapy your doctor recommends. Additionally, doctors, healthcare professionals, or other expert witnesses may help estimate the cost.
2. Pain and Suffering
You may seek damages in a personal injury lawsuit due to mental or physical distress or pain and suffering. The damages are pegged on the seriousness of the pain you have suffered, the type of injury, and the prognosis of any pain you may experience in the future due to that injury.
Anxiety or stress may arise due to mental or emotional damage arising from the accident. In some states, you may seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life due to mental or emotional damages resulting from the car accident.
3. Lost Wages
One may lose their earning capacity following a car accident based on the amount of injury. The amount of time you spend in a hospital, physical therapy sessions, problems with mobility, etc. However, you must prove how these injuries diminished your ability to work or earn money compared to your past income. At the same time, the jury will look at your occupation, experience, skill, age, and life expectancy.
4. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are allowed in some states after the victim proves that the at-fault driver committed gross negligence. Punitive damages punish the offender for driving under the influence, distracted driving, etc.
5. Loss of Companionship or Affection
An injured person may deprive their spouse of affection such as sexual activity or loss of consortium in legal terms. Unlike other damages, the injured spouse claims the loss of affection.
Further, this damage can only be claimed after the other damages are recovered. One may claim loss of companionship after the death of your spouse due to injuries stemming from a car accident. But you must have had a harmonious relationship with the deceased person and had a good living arrangement, and their death caused a huge impact on the entire family.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawsuit
While you may be entitled to any or all of these types of damages, you must prove how the injuries you sustained during the car accident affected you and your loved ones. However, proving that without a legal professional can be tricky. That is where experienced personal injury lawyers specializing in motor vehicle accident comes in.
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