After another person’s irresponsible actions lead to a car accident, you deserve support. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, understanding what you can claim helps you deal with the legal system more effectively. What damages might you be eligible for?
A lawsuit can provide support for the cost of the damage you suffered.
Economic damages cover the money you lose because of the crash. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses: This pays for all medical treatments related to your injuries, like hospital stays, doctor visits, medications and any therapy you need.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work because of your injuries, you can get money for the wages you lost.
- Property damage: This is for repairing or replacing your car and any other personal items damaged in the wreck.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses: You can also get money back for things like travel to medical appointments or paying for help with household tasks you can’t do because of your injuries.
These damages can relatively easily be calculated. However, it may take experienced guidance to understand the full financial toll of your future medical care and future lost wages.
A lawsuit can provide additional compensation for other challenges related to the crash.
Non-economic damages cover losses that aren’t about money and are harder to put a price on, such as:
- Pain and suffering: This is for the physical pain and emotional upset caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: If your injuries leaves you unable to do the daily activities or hobbies that brought you joy, a claim can include compensation for that loss.
- Emotional distress: This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, loss of sleep, and other psychological impacts.
Sometimes, a lawsuit can punish a negligent driver for their wrongdoing.
Sometimes, if the other driver was very careless or harmful, you might get punitive damages. These damages punish the other driver and prevent such actions in the future. These damages are relatively rare in personal injury cases and are typically linked to gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
A lawsuit can provide support after a fatal collision.
If the accident causes a death, the family might claim wrongful death damages. These help cover:
- Funeral and burial costs: These cover the immediate expenses related to the funeral and burial.
- Loss of financial contribution: If the person who died was the main earner, this compensates for the future money they would have earned.
- Loss of companionship and consortium: This is for the emotional loss and support the deceased provided.
Understanding these damages is key after a car accident in Kentucky. Knowing your legal rights can provide some peace of mind during a challenging time and help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.