Auto accidents happen every day across the United States. Very few people are not likely to experience an auto accident in their life. Those who are victims of auto accidents can suffer from serious injuries, often leaving people disabled or suffering from long-term medical conditions. As a result, many people can face financial difficulties.
Victims of auto accidents can pursue liable parties for compensation. There are two kinds of damages victims can collect: economic and non-economic. Here is what you should know about each:
1. Economic damages
Economic damages are often clear financial expenses caused by auto accidents. Most economic damages can be shown with receipts, bills or statements.
Medical expenses are often the most common kind of economic damage. Medical expenses can include surgery, medication, long-term health care, physical and psychological therapy, future healthcare and medical equipment.
Another type of economic damage includes lost wages. Many people suffer injuries that prevent them from working. Damages could be collected to pay for the victim’s lost wages, which can be shown with a tax record or a statement from an employer.
Damages could also be pursued for vehicle or property damages. In many auto accidents, the victim’s vehicle is damaged. The victim can seek damages to cover the cost of repair or replacement of their vehicle.
In some auto accident cases, there was a wrongful death. Survivors of the victim can pursue damages for funeral costs and other kinds of benefits.
2. Non-economic damages
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages do not have a defined value. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment from life or companionship or disfigurement. Non-economic damages are often determined by each state’s unique personal injury laws.
Legal guidance can help victims and survivors of victims learn how to pursue damages for their losses.