Car Accident Lawyers

What Damages Can I Collect for a Car Accident?

When people talk about car accidents, settlements, and court cases, the phrase ‘damages’ often arises. But what does this mean? What does it cover? When filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault party, your legal team will attempt to cover all damages. While some of these car accident damages are economic, others are considered non-economic.

Common Damages in a Car Accident Claim

Ultimately, the damages you recover from a car accident depend on the extent of the car accident and the extent of your personal injuries. For example, big head-on collisions are likely to generate more injuries and damage than a minor fender-bender. With a car accident attorney, they will assess the circumstances surrounding the case and ensure you get a fair amount of compensation.

Property Damage Due to Car Accident

While most of the focus in a car accident claim is on personal injuries, we mustn’t forget the damage that occurs to your vehicle. Additionally, there may be damage to personal possessions and other property. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, a property damage claim allows victims to recover either the market value of the car or an amount to cover repairs.

When working with a personal injury attorney, they’ll photograph the vehicle while you have a car repair service estimate the cost of repair. If the car cannot be repaired after the accident, its value is determined using the Kelley Blue Book, the NADA Guide, or another reliable source. Other costs relating to the accident itself include towing costs and car rental expenses.

Medical Bills Due to Car Accident

Perhaps the most obvious damage recovered by an auto accident claim is medical bills. After experiencing injuries, you may need emergency care, surgery, medical appointments, medication, physiotherapy, and all sorts of other care. The more serious the injuries, the heavier the medical bills. If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with the medical expenses that follow. Even if you’re partly to blame, you can still receive compensation for the part that wasn’t your fault.

We recommend keeping all medical reports and bills to hand over to your legal team when required.

Lost Wages Due to Car Accident

In some cases, the victim is unable to work after an accident and this is another common damage in an auto accident claim. As well as missing out on wages, you might lose out on a promotion and other opportunities to advance your career. In a claim, your car accident attorney considers both.

Non-Economic Damages

Everything we’ve spoken about so far falls under the umbrella of economic damages because there’s a tangible loss. However, car accidents also generate non-economic damages and intangible losses. Examples include:

• Wrongful death
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional distress

Dealing with a car accident is difficult, so you must work with a professional Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer. They have the required legal experience to ensure that ALL damages are considered in a claim.