A severe car accident can cause devastating physical, emotional and financial losses.
Victims of negligent drivers can file a fault-based claim or lawsuit and hold the driver liable for the specific and general damages incurred.
Specific damages
Specific damages, also known as economic damages, are the monetary losses associated with your injuries. These include the cost of medical care, including all necessary current and future treatments, loss of income and repairing or replacing your vehicle. You can also claim replacement services, such as in-home assistance if you need help with household chores and childcare providers if your injury hinders you from performing your typical childcare duties.
General damages
General damages, also known as non-economic damages, refer to the intangible losses associated with the accident and your injuries. The fault-based system allows you to recover compensation for the psychological impact of the case. For example, you can claim the pain and suffering you endured because of your injuries and the medical treatments you endured.
Other common non-economic losses include the loss of the ability to enjoy life, emotional distress and mental anguish, which can manifest as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Wrongful death damages
If you lost a loved one, the executor of their estate could file a wrongful death claim, requesting compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost income and the loss of companionship, nurturing and love your loved one provided.
All car accidents have unique elements that can affect the compensation available to you and how you can access it.