The aftermath of a car accident is overwhelming and expensive and the associated expenses can quickly snowball into one big, looming mass of debt. If you were the victim of a car accident you may be able to pursue legal action and sue the negligent party to recover damages. A Middlesex County auto accident attorney can help you dissect the details of your situation and file a lawsuit to collect compensation for your damages.
What Damages Can I Recover During a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The damages that you are able to recover after a car accident depend wholly on the unique circumstances of your situation. It depends on how you were impacted by the accident and what costs you incurred due to your injuries. The following are the main damages that can be recovered during a lawsuit after a car accident.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are probably what most people think of when they consider suing after a car accident. Costs can add up quickly and if the accident was the fault of another party they should cover the associated costs. You can recover damages for surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulances, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and more.
Loss of Income
Depending on the extent of your injuries you may have to be absent from work while you recover. If you lose wages because of your inability to work it can be detrimental to your financial stability. Lost wages can be included in damages.
Property Damage
During the collision, your vehicle was likely damaged or totaled. Windows could be smashed, the hood could be dented, the side mirrors could be broken, etc. You should take your car to be assessed by a professional to determine what it will cost to repair.
Emotional Expenses
Damages do not only have to be economic. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering can also be accounted for. The accident may have affected your mental state, causing you to develop anxiety or sleep issues. You can be reimbursed for mental anguish, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
The actual results of your lawsuit will vary depending on the details of your accident, but the above and more can be considered when calculating compensation.
How Are Damages Calculated After an Accident?
Damages will be calculated after evaluating the above subjects. Medical and property damage expenses are the easiest to assess as you can simply add up the bills you received. However, with the help of your attorney and an economic professional, you can determine how much money you would have made if you were still working and assign a numerical value to your pain and suffering. During your claim or lawsuit, your lawyer can make a formal request for the total sum of damages and provide evidence of the ways in which you were impacted, both financially and otherwise.
