Types of Car Accident Damages

Understanding Car Accident Damages

Car accident damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to victims of car accidents to cover their losses and expenses. Understanding these damages is crucial for victims to navigate the complex process of filing a claim and seeking compensation. Car accident damages can be categorized into two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are tangible losses that can be quantified, such as medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs. These damages aim to reimburse victims for the financial impact of the accident. For instance, medical bills can include expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy, while lost wages cover the income lost due to missed work. Repair costs pertain to the expenses involved in fixing or replacing a damaged vehicle.

On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that are more challenging to quantify. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Pain and suffering account for the physical pain and emotional turmoil experienced by the victim, while emotional distress covers anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts. Loss of enjoyment of life refers to the diminished ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.

Understanding the full scope of car accident damages is essential for victims to ensure they receive fair compensation for both their economic and non-economic losses.

Injuries from an auto accident can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on your life, but you should not have to pay for the damages another party caused. With the help of the experienced lawyers at Knowles Law Firm, you can better understand your claim’s value and how to prove your damages to insurance companies.

A successful insurance claim or car accident lawsuit in Nebraska can provide you with the financial resources to pay for both past and future economic losses. It can give you the money your family needs to move forward after a serious accident.

For most individuals, the primary purpose of filing a car accident personal injury claim is to recover financial compensation. While this won’t take away the pain you experienced, it can help you pay for the financial losses you suffered from the accident.

Depending on the severity of your injuries and the specific details of your case, you may recover the following types of damages.

Economic and Punitive Damages

Economic damages are awarded to make the victim of an accident whole again. They reimburse the victim for financial losses directly related to the accident, such as the following:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all past, present, and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you could recover compensation for your lost income. This also includes loss of future earnings if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future. You may also claim the difference between your previous and current earning capacity.
• Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

These types of damages are commonly claimed in personal injury cases resulting from car accidents.

We may use your medical bills, receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and tax returns to accurately calculate these damages and prove that the at-fault party’s negligence caused them.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate the victim for intangible losses and physical injuries, such as the following:

• Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the accident. The severity and duration of the pain, as well as any ongoing discomfort, are considered.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injuries negatively impact the victim’s relationship with their spouse, such as the ability to show affection or maintain a normal relationship, compensation may be awarded.
• Emotional Distress: This includes anxiety, depression, and other emotional impacts caused by the trauma of the accident and injuries.

Calculating non-economic damages can be complicated. While you may read online that you can calculate non-economic damages by simply multiplying your medical bills by some factor, it rarely works like that. The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm have been practicing personal injury law for more than 55 years and know how to accurately value the non-economic damages portion of your case.

Our attorneys are litigators at heart. They know that you can ask for any amount of money you want from the insurance company, but until you are willing to try a case to a jury and obtain a verdict, the insurance companies do not take you seriously. The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm have handled thousands of cases and tried many cases to a jury. Each case is unique and we use our experience and deep understanding of your case to develop a value for your non-economic damages.

How much your case is worth will depend on key factors such as the severity of your injuries and the insurance coverage available. We can help you determine your claim’s potential value to prevent you from settling for a lowball offer.

Common Types of Car Accident Damages

Car accidents can result in a wide range of damages, each impacting the victim’s life in different ways. Here are some common types of car accident damages:

• Medical Bills: These include all medical expenses incurred due to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication. Medical bills can quickly add up, making it crucial to seek compensation to cover these costs.
• Lost Wages: If the accident causes you to miss work or reduces your ability to work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income lost during recovery but also any future earnings if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.
• Repair Costs: Car accidents often result in significant damage to vehicles. Repair costs cover the expenses associated with fixing or replacing your damaged vehicle, ensuring you are not left out of pocket.
• Pain and Suffering: This type of damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It considers the severity and duration of your pain, as well as any ongoing discomfort.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless or negligent, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Wrongful Death: If a car accident results in the loss of a loved one, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. This can cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs.

Understanding these common types of car accident damages can help you identify the full extent of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.

Filing a Car Accident Claim

Filing a car accident claim can be a complex and overwhelming process, especially for accident victims who are already dealing with physical and emotional trauma. To file a successful claim, victims must gather evidence, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements. This evidence is crucial in proving that the other party was negligent and that its negligence caused the accident.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help victims navigate the process and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their damages. A lawyer can assist in collecting and organizing evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, and advocating for the victim’s rights. It’s essential to note that insurance companies often try to minimize the amount of compensation paid out to victims. Therefore, having a reputable and experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

In addition to filing a claim, accident victims may also need to deal with the aftermath of the accident, including seeking medical attention, repairing or replacing their vehicle, and dealing with the emotional trauma of the accident. A car accident lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve and can move forward with their lives.

By understanding the steps involved in filing a car accident claim and working with a knowledgeable lawyer, victims can navigate the legal process more effectively and secure the compensation they need to recover from their injuries and losses.

Does Nebraska Have a Cap for Car Accident Damages?

Some states limit the damages that can be recovered in personal injury claims. In Nebraska, there is no such limit in car accident claims. A cap on damages only exists for medical malpractice claims in Nebraska. This means that if you were in a car accident in Nebraska, the jury could award you whatever damages they believe are reasonable, given the circumstances.

Why Choose Knowles Law Firm for Your Car Accident Lawyer

At Knowles Law Firm, we understand the toll a car accident can take on your life. With over 55 years of experience and a track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements, we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our team will work tirelessly to determine the true value of your case and guide you through the legal process.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today at (402) 431-9000 or fill out our contact form.