Unfortunately, car accidents are very common and are likely to result in a number of injuries and damages to your car. According to the National Safety Council, there were 5.4 million motor-vehicle accidents in 2021 alone. Car accidents can be very stressful and result in several expenses for the car owner. Even a minor accident can lead to high medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma that can be difficult to handle.

However, you may be eligible for compensation after a car accident, especially if it was the other person’s fault. With the help of a legal expert, you can file an insurance claim to recover damages in a car accident. A Van Nuys car accident lawyer can help ensure you secure the compensation and justice you are entitled to.  

Medical Costs of Treating Your Injuries

It is not uncommon for an individual to sustain an injury after a car accident. While injuries are likely to vary in scope and severity, the harsh reality is that medical expenses are likely to be very costly. However, if you take your car accident case to court, you may be able to recover the amount you paid for the various treatments you underwent. Some medical losses that you may be able to recover include:

• Bills for medical treatment
• Doctor visit fees
• Medical tests amount
• Hospitalization bills
• Prescription medications
• Rehabilitation amount
• Ambulance charges
• Permanent disability

Lost Wages Due To Medical Treatment

Some injuries sustained from a car accident can be more serious, resulting in you needing to take some time off of work to recover and receive medical treatment. This can place an immense amount of stress on an individual, especially if they have a low daily wage.

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Although you may be able to take some time off of work to recover through the Family Medical Leave Act, this is still unpaid time off. Therefore, it is important to submit a claim to try and cover any lost wages you may be experiencing. 

Damages Caused To Your Vehicle

Not only are you likely to sustain injuries as a result of a car accident, but your car likely will too. While some cars may just get a scratch or two that can be buffed out, other cars will be completely busted and potentially even totaled. Again, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages caused to your vehicle if you file a claim.

Evidence is very important in proving the severity of the damages endured. Some pieces of evidence you may want to gather for your claim include: 

• Photographs of the accident scene
• Clear pictures of your damaged car
• Eyewitness testimony
• Vehicle repair shop receipts

Personal Property Damages

In addition to the damages that your vehicle may endure, you will also want to consider if there is any damaged personal property that was inside. This may include the following:

• Laptops 
• Mobile phones
• Clothing
• Sunglasses
• Car seats
• Prescription eyeglasses

If any of your personal property was damaged inside due to the car accident, you will want to make note of it in your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Medical bills, wage losses, and property damages are all economic damages that you can recover, as their costs are tangible and able to be reasonably assessed. Conversely, non-economic damages are certain types of losses that cannot be calculated in terms of monetary value.

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Pain and suffering is one of the most common types of non-economic damage. Your car accident injuries can cause you physical, mental, and emotional distress. If you suffer severe injuries, it can affect your professional life as well as your future. Some non-economic damages that you may experience include the following: 

• Life disturbance
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loss of consortium
• Permanent disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Embarrassment
• Loss of enjoyment of life

While non-economic damages are intangible and more difficult to measure, they are still important to pursue if you are suffering. There are a few methods to gather a rough estimate of non-economic damages, however, such as the multiplier and per diem method. It is not guaranteed that you will receive the precise amount that you are entitled to due to their discretionary and intangible nature. 

Summary

As we have discussed, car accidents can be very serious, resulting in a number of physical injuries, emotional trauma, and damage to your vehicle. If you have suffered from a car accident, you may be able to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical bills, vehicle damages, and wage losses while non-economic losses include pain and suffering, anxiety, and any relevant life disturbances.

While you may be able to recover the desired amount for economic damages, you may not receive the equivalent amount for your non-economic damages. Nonetheless, it is vital that you file a car accident claim in order to recover damages.