In addition to the cost of vehicle repairs and medical bills after a collision, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. The damages you can claim will depend on the specific losses you have incurred and the associated costs.
A dedicated auto wreck attorney could assist you in assessing the value of your claim and securing all of your recoverable damages after a McAllen car accident. Call our law office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Compensatory Damages Following a Car Crash
Reimbursing injured parties for their losses is the function of compensatory damages. There are two types of damages—economic and non-economic compensation. The severity of an accident shapes the damage award. Economic damages make up the bulk of compensation in minor accidents.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to specific, measurable financial losses, including the following:
- Lost wages
- Present and future medical bills
- Vehicle replacement costs
- Diminished earning capacity
Economic damages always involve a financial loss, whether anticipated or immediate. However, the injured individual must provide evidence to demonstrate the value of these losses.
These damages can sometimes extend beyond immediate expenses. For instance, if the injured person cannot perform daily tasks, the settlement should also account for the cost of hiring replacement services.
Non-Economic Damages
Injured parties may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
- Psychological trauma
When individuals suffer serious, life-changing injuries in a McAllen car accident, recoverable non-economic damages may represent a more significant portion of their compensatory award.
The Purpose of Punitive Damages in Car Wreck Cases
Punitive damages are awarded based on the severity of the wrongdoer’s conduct. Simple driving mistakes, which may involve negligence, are typically insufficient to justify a claim for punitive damages. The behavior must be egregious, not simply careless.
Deliberately or knowingly hazardous behavior can result in a claim for punitive damages. For example, a motorist who operates a vehicle with a suspended license or under the influence of alcohol may be held liable for these damages.
In such cases, state law limits the amount of punitive damages. The total cannot exceed twice the economic damages plus the non-economic damages, with a maximum cap of $750,000.
A damage award may be meaningless as many insurance policies do not cover punitive damages. Even if the wrongdoer’s policy includes punitive damage coverage, a court could require the wrongdoer to pay those damages personally. A car collision lawyer in McAllen could help their client pursue recoverable damages that compensate for the severity of their losses.
Discover More About Recoverable Damages After a McAllen Car Accident Today
Understanding recoverable damages after a McAllen car accident and how these may apply to your case is vital. The losses associated with a wreck could significantly impact your future. A compassionate personal injury attorney could consider the specifics of an incident and the injuries sustained to get a more precise estimate.
During an initial consultation with our legal team, we could review your case and assess the long-term costs and damages related to it. We could also evaluate the at-fault driver’s behavior to determine if it warrants a claim for punitive damages. Contact our law office today to learn how our legal professionals could serve you.