Things to Sue for in a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, one of the first questions you might have is whether or not you can sue the person who hit you. You need compensation that pays for the costs of your injuries and other damages, and often, a lawsuit is one of your best options for recovering those funds.
Whether it was a minor fender-bender or a devastating crash, you may have grounds to sue with the aid of a lawyer at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP. Here are a few key things to sue for in a car accident.
Compensatory Damages
When suing after a car accident, keep in mind that your damages fall into two categories: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your losses, while punitive damages are meant to deter others from dangerous actions.
Additionally, your compensatory damages are split into economic and non-economic damages. Knowing the difference can help you calculate these damages accurately and recover the funds you’re due. Here are the differences in these damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses you’ve suffered because of an accident. These damages can typically be added up and included in your case. Future expenses, however, may need to be estimated by a lawyer because you don’t have the specific costs yet.
Below is just a sample of the damages you may be facing:
- Medical Bills – These can include costs like visits to the doctor and hospital stays, which can be expensive. Medical bills also include the cost of medications that were prescribed to you.
- Lost Income – This could be a reduction in work hours due to the accident, or time off work altogether. If you were forced to take time off because of your injuries, talk to your lawyer about your past and future lost wages, especially if you’ll be unable to return to work.
- Property Damage – In a car accident, the amount of damage to your vehicle is often referred to as property damage. This can include things like dents, scratches, and broken glass.
- Funeral and Burial Costs – Funerals and burials can be costly, and that’s a major burden following the death of a loved one. It’s possible for family members to sue a party that caused the death of their loved one for funeral expenses and the cost of burial.
Non-Economic Damages
Following an accident, you may have suffered intangible costs that don’t have a detailed price tag, but they do impact your quality of life. These damages are non-economic.
If you’re struggling with the physical and emotional toll of an accident, not just the financial side, reach out to a lawyer. They can help you calculate damages like the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages, on the other hand, punish defendants who acted recklessly or with the intent to harm others.
These damages aren’t easy to recover. They’re typically only awarded in severe situations. If you think your case applies, talk to your lawyer about your claim’s value and how they can help your claim succeed.
Get Legal Representation After a Car Accident
A car accident can be a life-changing event, but suing can help you recover when you’re hurt and suffering. While monetary compensation cannot heal physical wounds or bring a loved one back after a fatal accident, it can give you peace of mind and protect your finances.
When you’re ready to sue, reach out to the lawyers at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP for a free consultation. Call us at 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or fill out our online form to get help with your case.
