Automobile accidents occur every day. Some are truly accidents while others are due to the negligence of certain drivers. In the case of the latter, it may be possible to file an auto accident claim.
In order to receive the best possible compensation, it is important to understand the details of damages. There are a few different types of damages that people may claim in a personal injury case.
Lost wages
Lost wages can account for wages that the injured party has missed out on due to not being able to work because of the accident, as well as any future wages. Especially in cases where claimants are not able to return to their full capacity at work due to an injury, whether temporary or permanent, the damage claim for lost wages can be very large.
Medical expenses
Along with lost wages, medical expenses are some of the easiest damages to quantify and defend. Claimants may seek compensation for any medical treatments they receive in association with the injury, as well as future medical expenses. Therefore, medical records are crucial to a claim. Not only do they help to substantiate the damages, but they may also aid in showing that the negligence of the other party created the damages.
Additional expenses
Many additional expenses that do not fit into the above categories but are a result of the accident may fall under out-of-pocket expenses. This may include expenses such as gas mileage to drive to doctor appointments. To aid in calculating this damage type, it may be helpful to keep receipts of any payments or fees associated with the different activities.
Punitive damages
In cases of gross negligence, some judges assess punitive damages. The courts tend to use this large sum damage payment to discourage such incidents in the future.
Though these are common damage types, this is not an exhaustive list. If you are considering filing a claim, consult with a knowledgeable attorney about your specific case to see what is available to you.
