Car accidents can have serious long-term effects on victims. Victims can suffer life-long injuries that affect their ability to live and work. These long-term consequences can have financial and emotional implications. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses as a result of another driver’s negligence.
There are two categories of compensation that people may receive from a car accident: economic and noneconomic damages. Here is what you should know about each:
What are economic damages?
Economic damages are tangible forms of monetary expenses a victim may have experienced as a result of a car accident. Bills and debt are ways to identify economic damages. Some common types of economic damages include:
- Medical bills: Hospital stay costs, medical equipment, medication, surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages: Salary not earned while a victim was recovering from their injuries
- Property damages: Cost to repair or replace property, such as a vehicle
- Funeral expenses: Costs for a funeral service and burial or cremation
The amount of economic damages victims may be entitled to can vary depending on a few factors. For example, someone could receive compensation for future medical care, equipment and treatments for their injuries.
What are noneconomic damages?
Noneconomic damages are intangible losses. Intangible losses are subjective and often result from an injury or traumatic experience.
A victim of a car accident could suffer life-long pain, disfigurement or mobility issues from their injuries, for example. Alternatively, a victim could suffer from the loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment from life or emotional turmoil. These types of damages cannot be easily compensated with money. As a result, victims may receive noneconomic damages only to reduce their hardships.
Professional legal guidance can help ensure those injured in car accidents recover compensation for their injuries, emotional suffering and financial losses.