What Types of Damages Can I Collect in an Auto Accident Case?

If you are injured in an auto accident, you can recover money for both economic and non-economic losses. Your ability to collect money will depend on the facts of the case and may also depend on whether you hire an experienced auto accident attorney. The following are the categories of damages that you may be able to collect in a personal injury lawsuit.

Medical Bills – If the accident resulted in medical treatment, you can collect for reasonable and necessary medical bills that occurred in the past as well as reasonable and necessary medical bills that are likely to be incurred in the future as a result of the accident.

Loss of Earning Capacity – This element of damages compensates a person for the person’s loss in ability to earn money that has been lost in the past and of the ability to earn money that is reasonably certain to be lost in the future.

Physical Pain and Suffering – If the auto accident caused physical pain, such as broken bones, torn muscles, bruises, and burns, you may collect money for the discomfort experienced both in the past and for any pain likely to be experienced in the future.

Mental or Emotional Pain and Suffering – You may collect money for any past or future emotional pain and suffering, such as anguish, distress, fear, humiliation, grief, shame or worry.

Disfigurement – This element of damages compensates a person if the person’s appearance is permanently damaged in the auto accident, such as from a scar, burn, or loss of limb.

Loss of Ability to Enjoy Life – A person can collect money for the limitations placed on the ability to enjoy the pleasures of life after the accident.

Disability – This element of damages compensates an injured person if the auto accident prevents a person from living life in comfort by adding inconvenience or loss of physical ability.

Loss of Consortium – If the injured party is married, his or her spouse will have a claim for the loss of services, companionship, love and affection.