Understanding the types of compensation victims may recover

When victims are harmed in a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident or drunk driving accident, it is likely to harm both them and their family members and loved ones. Victims and their families may need compensation to help them with the physical, financial and emotional damages they have suffered in an unexpected car accident caused by a drunk driver or other negligent driver.

Victims and their families involved in car accidents and fatal motor vehicle accidents may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are designed to compensate victims for the financial losses they have suffered. Economic damages that victims and their families may be able to recover through a personal injury or wrongful death legal claim for damages include lost wages or salary; lost earning capacity; and past and future medical expenses.

Noneconomic damages may also be available in an effort to make victims and their families whole again. Noneconomic damages that may be available include pain and suffering damages to compensate the victim for the physical damages they have suffered and are generally calculated based on seriousness of the injuries and the length of time the victim is expected to suffer from the injuries. In addition, damages for loss of consortium may also be available to surviving spouses of victims which include compensation for loss of companionship, loss of comfort, loss of affection and sexual relations. Lastly, victims may be able to recover compensation for mental anguish including various types of emotional distress occasioned by the accident.

An unexpected car accident can create a variety of different types of challenges for victims including a financial hardship for victims and their families. As a result, it is important for victims and their families to be familiar with the legal options available to protect them and help them recover compensation for the harm they have suffered.