What Damages Can Be Recovered In a Car Accident Claim?
Posted on Jan 7, 2016 5:05pm PST
It’s common to hear Long Island personal injury attorneys use the
term “fair compensation” to describe the money that you can
recover in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. This compensation can actually
include a variety of different damages, or awards, based on the physical
and financial injuries you’ve suffered.
Have you been injured in Long Island? Call (631) 925-2117 today for the
experienced representation you need.
Compensatory Damages
With the exception of punitive damages (more on that later) all recoverable
damages will fall into one of two categories –
special damages for economic losses, and
general damages for noneconomic things like emotional distress. These are all referred
to as compensatory or actual damages, as they are designed to compensate
you for the financial and physical losses you’ve endured.
Common compensatory damages in a car accident claim include:
- Medical expenses incurred
- Cost of future care
- Cost of rehabilitation
- Lost wages/lost future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Cost to repair/replace your car
Punitive Damages
In addition to compensatory damages, you may also be able to pursue
punitive damages in some cases. Instead of compensating you for your losses, these damages
are designed to punish the defendant. There are only a few instances where
you can seek punitive damages in a car accident claim, although they are
commonly pursued when the liable driver was under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. These damages can sometimes be significantly more than the compensatory damages.
Seek Fair Compensation With Help From Our Firm
At Laurence A. Silverman, Esq., our Long Island car accident lawyers
have handled these complex claims for more than 60 collective years. When
you retain our firm, you can expect dedicated representation from an attorney
who knows how to effectively recover compensation on your behalf. Don’t
let a car accident cost you more than it already has – call our
firm today to pursue justice!
Get started today with a no-cost
case evaluation.