Types of Damages Available for Your Auto Accident Case
Understanding Compensatory and General Damages in Auto Accident Claims
People who are injured in auto accidents in Mississippi can sue the responsible party for compensatory, actual, and general damages. The purpose of compensatory damages is to put a monetary value on every area where you experienced consequences as a result of the accident. Although no amount of money can reverse what you have suffered, juries consider all types of damages when awarding a settlement in a personal injury case. Actual damages reimburse you for expenses directly associated with the accident, such as property damage, medical bills and lost wages. General damages cover categories like pain and suffering. Because many people don’t understand their rights as an accident victim, they often agree to an out-of-court settlement that is not in their best interest. Before you consider settling – or not filing a claim at all – we urge you to speak to an auto accident attorney for a consultation regarding for auto accident claims.
Understanding Specific Types of Damages
Medical Expenses
For most people involved in auto accidents, payment of medical expenses while recovering from the accident is the primary concern. Medical expenses include doctor and hospital charges, the ongoing need for special equipment, pain medication, physical therapy, and any other healthcare expense incurred as the direct result of the accident. If you anticipate needing long-term treatment, your settlement offer should reflect future medical costs as well.
Lost Wages
The other major concern in personal injury cases is receiving reimbursement for time missed from work. Even if you have enough sick leave and vacation time to receive payment while recovering, you shouldn’t have to access them when another driver’s careless actions caused your injuries. Payment for lost wages should include all days you missed due to your injuries, as well as time spent traveling to medical appointments. If you are injured to the extent of not being able to perform your previous job duties or return to work at all, you can expect the lost wages portion of your settlement to be higher.
Property Damage
Property damage claims in a personal injury lawsuit typically cover the cost to repair your vehicle in addition to the cost of renting a car. In the event that your vehicle is a total loss, your settlement should include enough money to purchase a new one. Your auto accident attorney will challenge the other driver’s insurance company to prove that they are making you a fair offer in this regard.
Pain, Suffering & Emotional Distress
Mississippi allows victims of auto accidents to recover damage for pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of consortium, and lost opportunities. Compensation for pain and suffering depends on the degree of physical damages sustained due to the accident, whereas mental anguish and distress also consider non-physical suffering. Loss of consortium means that you are unable to relate to family members and friends in the same manner as before the accident, and lost opportunities go above and beyond lost wages to compensate you for your inability to pursue professional advancement or personal hobbies and goals.
