Seeking compensation after suffering injuries in a car accident can seem daunting, but you do not have to be afraid to assert and enforce your legal rights. The pain and suffering you experience after a car crash can affect every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships to your finances. Therefore, protecting yourself and your family should be your number one priority.
Our experienced car accident attorneys understand how to help you preserve the evidence you need to substantiate your claim and can help you seek financial compensation. Reach out to the Valero Law Group today to learn more about the recoverable damages after a Stockton car accident.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Car Accident?
The legal term “damages” refers to the harm and loss an individual suffers due to another party’s negligent conduct. These losses may be financial, psychological, emotional, or physical. Seeking damages in a civil claim means seeking financial compensation for these losses.
The types of damages an injured party may claim in a Stockton civil lawsuit vary based on the details of the car crash. Categorizing damages helps parties objectively evaluate the total harm suffered.
Special/Economic Damages
Special damages, also referred to as economic damages, are meant to reimburse someone for the financial losses caused by a wreck. These include medical bills, lost wages, physical property damage, and lost future earnings.
General/ Non-Economic Damages
General or non-economic damages compensate an injury victim for more subjective, personal impacts, such as loss of enjoyment of life, mental distress, and pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are reserved for cases in which the defendant acted with reckless indifference or malice. Unlike general and special damages, which are meant to return a person to the position they were in before an accident, these are designed to punish defendants and deter them from repeating their egregious and destructive conduct in the future.
Let our team help you understand more about what damages could be available in a particular situation.
Evidence Needed to Prove Damages
Seeking compensation after a Stockton car accident requires solid evidence to establish the extent of your damages. Among the most critical forms of proof are medical records and bills, which document your injuries, treatment, and associated costs. A well-supported claim depends on presenting these records in a clear and organized manner.
An experienced attorney will compile medical records, bills, and other documentation into a medical chronology, providing a detailed overview of your injuries and their impact. This helps substantiate special damages, ensuring the claim is properly valued.
General damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and often contested, as they lack a fixed monetary value. An attorney plays a key role in negotiating or litigating these claims, using expert testimony, medical evaluations, and case precedent to justify the compensation sought.
Each car accident case is unique, and while no exact outcome can be predicted, a lawyer can provide case-specific guidance to strengthen your claim and maximize your recovery. Reach out to learn more.
Contact a Stockton Car Accident Attorney Today About Your Claim for Compensation
Seeking legal representation can seem overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. Having an advocate who can articulate and express your needs to the court can prove invaluable when you are in the midst of a civil lawsuit.
Contact the Valero Law Group today to learn more about your legal rights and what you can do to protect them. You do not have to handle every part of a civil lawsuit at once. A skilled lawyer can help determine your recoverable damages after a Stockton car accident, help you make informed decisions about your case, and guide you through the legal process.
