Seeking damages is a critical aspect of any civil lawsuit. The types of damages available in a car accident case depend on the severity of your injuries, their long-term impact, and the specific circumstances surrounding the crash.
Car accidents often have multiple causes, from distracted driving to hazardous road conditions, and determining fault can be complex. A skilled attorney can assess your situation and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
At Valero Law Group, our experienced car accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process. We can evaluate your case, explain the types of damages you may recover, and provide the support you need as you navigate medical expenses, lost wages, and the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
Call today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Types of Damages a Person Can Seek
Damages measure the harm a crash victim—the person bringing the lawsuit—has suffered. Depending on that person’s injuries, damages fall into certain categories to allow the responsible party to compensate the victim. Modesto car accident victims will have a better awareness of their legal cases if they understand the types of possible damages that can be recovered after a crash.
Special (Economic Damages)
Special damages are typically calculated by analyzing evidence such as medical bills, medical records, and medical chronologies. Should the crash injuries result in a temporary or permanent disability, special damages might also include lost income for the time the victim is unable to work going forward.
General (Non-Economic Damages)
Defining general damages is harder because they account for the non-tangible results of injuries, such as emotional distress, psychological pain, and loss of enjoyment of life. These losses do not have a specific dollar value and are difficult to calculate using typical financial records. Therefore, the injured person’s loss is more subjective for the court to determine.
Punitive Damages
The court reserves punitive damages for cases in which the defendant was reckless or malicious. A defendant whose conduct harms an entire community may be ordered to pay punitive damages as a deterrent to further bad behavior. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate a victim and can be capped at a certain amount, possibly related to special and general damages. Reach out to our team to learn more about how we calculate damages.
Evidence Needed to Prove Damages
Supporting legal claims with documentary evidence is necessary to prove a crash victim’s case. This evidence must show that there are injuries requiring compensation and that the defendant is the responsible party. Medical records and medical bills are important documentary evidence to demonstrate damages. Establishing a medical treatment history is also possible using a medical chronology, which is a timeline of medical treatments and their associated costs.
Unfortunately, car crash injuries can cause harm that will continue for months to years afterward. Permanent or temporary paralysis or other disabilities may require long-term care and accommodations. Estimating these future damages, particularly general damages, can require more and different evidence. One such piece of evidence is a life care plan developed by a medical professional trained to assess an injured person’s future medical needs.
An attorney can estimate what damages might be recoverable in a Modesto court and help a car accident victim make the decision to file a lawsuit. Depending on the facts of the case, including the actions of other drivers, the victim might be able to bring a successful claim and recover financially. Call our firm to learn more about the types of evidence we typically use to prove damages.
Learn More About Recoverable Car Accident Damages From a Modesto Attorney
Seeking compensation for an injury can be a stressful experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. However, you can rely on an attorney who will provide valuable information and representation as you assert your claim. The attorneys at Valero Law Group can walk you through recoverable damages after a Modesto car accident and evaluate your options. Rather than having to represent yourself in court, you can rely on your attorney to work for you while you focus on your recovery. Reach out to schedule a free consultation today.
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