Car accidents can have a devastating impact on victims, both physically and financially. Victims of car accidents in Minnesota have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. Damages are the financial compensation awarded to victims of car accidents to cover their losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
While you aren’t legally required to retain legal representation, there are many benefits to hiring a lawyer. Along with representing you in negotiations or court, they can help you identify what damages to pursue. With help finding an attorney, turn to 1-800-Injured.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the financial losses that result from a car accident. These damages are calculated by adding up the victim’s out-of-pocket expenses, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. Economic damages are relatively easy to calculate because they have a specific dollar value attached to them.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are one of the most significant economic damages in a car accident case. Victims of car accidents can claim compensation for all medical expenses related to their injuries, including hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, and rehabilitation costs. Victims can also claim future medical expenses if they require ongoing treatment.
Some injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries could result in the need for lifelong care, so it’s
Property Damage
Victims can claim compensation for any property damage resulting from a car accident, including damage to their vehicle, personal property, and any other property that was damaged in the accident.
Lost Wages
Victims of car accidents can claim compensation for any wages they lost due to the accident. This includes any time missed from work due to their injuries, as well as any future lost earnings if they are unable to return to work.
Additionally, victims can pursue compensation for reduced earning capacity if they cannot work at the same level they used to or if they have to change jobs due to their injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are challenging to quantify as they do not have a precise monetary value. Such damages include subjective factors like emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Although these losses are harder to evaluate, they are still genuine damages that warrant compensation.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
Pain and suffering, Emotional Distress, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Car accidents often result in non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress experienced by the victim, which may include depression, anxiety, and physical pain. Emotional distress pertains to anxiety, fear, and depression triggered by the accident, while loss of enjoyment of life refers to the inability to engage in activities that the victim enjoyed prior to the accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are uncommon in car accident cases and are awarded as a means of punishing the at-fault party for their misconduct. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim, but rather to serve as a deterrent for future similar conduct. Only a judge or jury can grant punitive damages, and they are rarely awarded unless the at-fault party acted with malice or intentional wrongdoing.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a car accident results in the victim’s death, their family members can pursue compensation for their losses. These damages may cover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost earnings, and loss of companionship. In certain situations, punitive damages may be awarded.
If you require help filing a claim or lawsuit after losing a loved one in a car accident, a wrongful death attorney can provide assistance.
Contact an Attorney and Medical Directory
Car accidents can have a significant impact on victims, both physically and financially. Damages are the financial compensation awarded to victims of car accidents to cover their losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Economic damages are the financial losses that result from a car accident, while non-economic damages are the losses that do not have a specific dollar value attached to them.
A Minnesota attorney can help alleviate some of the burden as you pursue financial compensation for your damages. For help finding a lawyer near you, contact 1-800-Injured. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical directory that can connect you with an attorney in your area.