Summary
- Car accident damages are the financial losses the victim suffers.
- Damages include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and many others.
- While most car accident cases settle out of court, your case may go to trial if the defendant refuses to make a fair offer.
- Hiring an attorney will provide your best chance of getting the money you deserve.
Each year, hundred of thousands of people are hurt in auto accidents across Florida. These victims accumulated hundreds of millions in car accident damages or economic losses. If this has happened to you, a skilled auto accident attorney can help you get the money you deserve.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia (WHG), that’s precisely what we’ll work to do. Our attorneys will provide effective, passionate representation and protect your rights. While we can’t guarantee results, we’ll work to help you obtain maximum compensation.
Please contact us online for a free case evaluation or call (800) 320-HELP.
What are Damages in a Car Accident Case?
According to the FLHSMV, more than 250,000 people suffered severe injuries in 2022 due to car wrecks in Florida. Oftentimes, this results in financial and emotional costs for the car accident victim. When someone negligently causes a car accident and injures you, the resulting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are known as “damage”.
In a car accident claim, the types of damages available represent the monetary compensation the accident victim can seek to recover. These damages are essentially a way to address and rectify the various losses and suffering incurred due to the accident.
Types of Car Accident Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If you’ve suffered an injury in a car wreck due to someone else’s negligence, you’ve likely accumulated several types of car accident damages. The following is a brief look at some of the most common ones.
Medical Bills
Following a car accident, victims often find themselves faced with significant medical bills. These expenses encompass a wide range of healthcare costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and the ongoing expense of necessary medications. A severe spinal cord injury, for example, can cost the victim as much as $1 million in the first year.
These medical bills are recoverable damages. An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for these financial burdens.
Lost Wages
Car accidents can result in injuries that leave victims unable to work for some time or even permanently. When this occurs, they may seek compensation for the wages they would have earned if they had been able to work during the recovery or for their entire career. Lost wages are a significant aspect of damages in car accident cases.
Lost Earning Capacity
In some particularly severe car accidents, the injuries sustained may lead to long-term or permanent disabilities. These disabilities can significantly impact an individual’s ability to earn a living in the future.
Compensation for lost earning capacity considers the lasting effects of these injuries, addressing the potential reduction in the victim’s ability to generate income over their lifetime.
Pain and Suffering
Victims frequently endure substantial physical pain and emotional suffering as a result of their injuries. They can pursue compensation for emotional and physical issues, also known as “pain and suffering” car accident damages.
Victims may be eligible for compensation for the distress, inconvenience, and overall impact of the accident on their lives. Courts recognize that suffering goes beyond the monetary value of medical bills and lost wages.
Loss of Consortium
Car accidents can have far-reaching effects, not only on the injured party but also on their loved ones. “Loss of consortium” damages address the impact that an accident has on the victim’s relationships, particularly within their family and with their spouse. It often involves the loss of companionship, support, and the overall quality of the relationship.
Disfigurement and Scarring
These car accident damages account for the physical and emotional effects of changes in a victim’s appearance. Disfigurement and scarring damages recognize the psychological and social toll these visible changes can take on an individual’s life.
Punitive Damages
Juries may award punitive damages in rare cases. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim for their losses. Instead, the law designs them to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior. The aim is to serve as a deterrent for future wrongdoing and to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Learn more: Car vs. Truck Accident Lawsuits: 4 Key Differences
Settlement vs. Trial Value
Car accident cases end through two primary methods: settlement or trial. Settlements occur when both parties involved in the case, along with their legal representatives, agree on a compensation amount without the need for court intervention. About 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court.
On the other hand, the trial value refers to the potential compensation that a court decision may award if the case proceeds to trial.
The decision to pursue a settlement or go to trial is a complex one, depending on various factors, including the following:
- The merits of the case.
- The strength of evidence.
- The defendant’s willingness to negotiate.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate this decision-making process, ensuring you choose the approach that is in your best interest.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Attorney
Hiring an experienced attorney is critical when pursuing car accident damages. These legal professionals possess the specialized knowledge and expertise required to navigate the complexities of personal injury law.
They can assist you in building a solid case, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for your rights throughout the legal process. An experienced attorney plays a pivotal role in ensuring you receive fair and just compensation for the damages you’ve suffered in a car accident.
Contact WHG Today to Speak with a Caring, Knowledgeable Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered an injury due to another’s negligence and seek car accident damages, speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At WHG, our team of dedicated and knowledgeable car accident lawyers is here to help you get all the money you deserve.
Call (800) 320-HELP or use our online form for a free case review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will my car accident settlement be?
The exact amount of your car accident settlement depends on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, the financial losses you’ve incurred, and the circumstances of the accident. An attorney can help you assess the potential value of your case.
How much money will I receive for my car accident losses?
The amount of money you receive for your damages will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. A lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating your situation.
Who will pay my medical bills after a car accident?
The at-fault party’s insurance may cover your medical bills, as can your insurance. An attorney with WHG can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for your medical expenses.
