Damages Claimed in Car Accident Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident, you know how stressful it can be. Damage to your vehicle can impact your ability to work, and damage to your body can impact your ability to live and enjoy your life.

The lawyers at The Estes Law Firm focus on car accidents and personal injury. If you have been in an accident in or around Richmond, Texas, they can help you get the damages you are owed. Learn more about what damages you’re due below. 

Economic Damages

When you’re hurt in a car accident, your financial costs should be covered under your economic damages, or the financial losses you suffered because of the accident. 

The compensation you receive depends on the extent of the damage incurred by the accident. However, you can generally expect to receive compensation for any damage sustained by your vehicle, or any medical expenses directly related to the accident.

Additionally, if the accident has caused you to miss work (whether it’s because you lack transportation or are recovering from an injury) you may be owed damages for loss of income.

Non-Economic Damages 

In most cases, the argument can also be made that the victim is owed compensation for pain and suffering. Even if the car accident is relatively minor, the stress of the accident itself and the aftermath are reason enough to warrant damages for pain and suffering. 

The more severe the accident and its consequences, the more financial compensation you can expect to receive. Non-economic damages can be determined based on the severity of your suffering and the impact of your injuries on your quality of life. Talk to your lawyer if you’re struggling to determine these damages. 

Punitive Damages

These damages are only available in certain circumstances, namely cases where the at-fault party was wantonly reckless, or when the at-fault party intended to cause harm. 

For example, if you are driving and someone rear-ends you because they were texting, the incident is caused by negligence. While the person was not intending to harm you or your vehicle, their reckless behavior resulted in damage to the vehicle. You may not be eligible for punitive damages. 

If you’re hit by another driver who’s acting out of road rage, however, you may be due punitive damages. The other driver chose to do something illegal for their own convenience, without regard to the consequences it might have for others using the road. Although the driver may not have intended to harm anyone, they did knowingly break the law.

Seek Damages with a Car Accident Lawyer’s Aid 

Regardless of the severity of the incident, a car accident will add undue stress to your life. Besides moving past a traumatic event, you may find yourself concerned with how to support yourself and your family with these incoming expenses, especially if you have been unable to work due to recovering from injury.

Let the car accident lawyers at the Estes Firm take care of your legal troubles so that you can spend your energy on getting better. We offer free consultations for those who need answers about their damages before a lawsuit. Reach out by calling 281-238-5400 or by completing the online contact form below.