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What types of damages can accident victims recover?

by | May 16, 2018 | Personal Injury |

After a serious car accident, victims often have more questions than answers. They don’t know what happened, who is to blame or how bad their injuries may be. This situation can be frustrating and confusing, especially when victims don’t get full and accurate questions to these answers.

For instance, many accident victims don’t know what types of damages they may be entitled to after an accident with negligent driver. In many cases, there could be far more at stake than the costs of repairing a vehicle.

Economic damages

Economic damages include actual, proven financial losses. This can include:

  • Wages you lost as a result of missing work
  • Costs of repairing a vehicle
  • Added travel expenses incurred as a result of not having a car
  • Medical bills
  • Future loss of income

Non-economic damages

Damages can also be non-financial. For instance, as a result of the crash, you might have suffered:

  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • A loss of your ability to enjoy life
  • Loss of support or companionship
  • Disfigurement or disability

Punitive or exemplary damages

In some (not all) cases, Texas courts might also award punitive or exemplary damages in addition to other damages. If victims can prove that the party responsible for an accident acted with fraud, intent to hurt someone or gross negligence, the courts may award these damages as a punishment for the party at fault. 

Maximizing compensation with legal support

As you can see, victims can stand to collect far more than what an individual or insurance company might offer. Typically, these settlements do not reflect the full extent of damages suffered by a victim and his or her family.

Because of this, it can be wise to discuss your legal options with an attorney after a crash. An attorney can help you calculate your damages and guide you to the fair resolution you deserve.