What Damages Can I Recover Following a Car Crash?

The days, weeks, months, and sometimes years following a collision can be overwhelming. With mounting bills, having to take time off work, and trying to find a new “normal”, the adjustment after a car accident may be more stressful than the accident itself. Then adding the stress of dealing with the insurance company about your claim, you may feel unable to tackle it all at once.

The good news is that if you were a victim in a car collision, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit can enable car crash victims to recover for financial losses due to the collision, including medical expenses, emotional and physical pain, lost wages, and loss of emotional and physical intimacy.

To learn more about what damages you can recover following a crash and how, keep reading.

Medical Expenses

Injuries from a car accident can range in severity, with some injuries not readily apparent at the time of the crash. “If you do not need immediate medical treatment, you should still visit the emergency room or your doctor afterward,” note accident experts at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A., “any damages from car crashes can be hard to recognize.” Immediately seek medical attention following after a crash; not only will it ensure your safety, but it also can help validate your injury claim in the future.

Medical expenses from a car accident will differ from case to case, but can include:

• Ambulance costs
• Physical therapy
• Cognitive therapy
• Consultations and appointment fees
• Disfigurement
• In-home services
• Medical devices or accessories

If you choose to pursue a personal injury claim, you are eligible to recover financial compensation for any and all medical expenses that arise from the accident.

Mental or Physical Distress

Better known as “pain and suffering”, mental or physical distress is a recoverable damage in a personal injury case. These types of damages are based off of a variety of factors, including seriousness of pain, prognosis of future pain, and type of injury.

Anxiety, stress, loss of enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are some of the non-physical damages for which damages can be recovered. Keep in mind mental or physical distress damages differ from state to state, as some have additional requirements to make a claim.

Lost Wages

Both serious and minor injuries could impact your capacity to earn money at work. If you had to miss work due to appointments or time spent in the hospital, you may be eligible to recover lost wages.

If an injury due to a car crash affected your ability to fully perform your duties at work, you may also be compensated for the diminished earning ability and ability to earn additional money in the future.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium damages enable the victim’s family and/or spouse to recover compensation for the loss of companionship and physical intimacy due to injuries sustained in a car crash. These types of damages are usually awarded in more severe car accident cases, such as a car collision that caused a brain injury, spinal cord injury, or death.

So, What Should You Do After a Crash?

After a car collision, whether it resulted in no apparent injuries or large injuries, immediately seek medical attention from a medical professional. Then, contact a lawyer for a free consultation about your car accident case. A lawyer can help explain the legal process, what to expect from the insurance company, and what damages you may be able to recover through a personal injury claim.