A car accident often has immediate and delayed consequences. Victims often suffer injuries that require medical care. However, this can mean victims will face large medical bills as a result of the car accident. Likewise, the victim’s car may need repairs (or must be scrapped) and they may have rental car costs. Victims may also lose work income as they recover from their injuries.
All of these things, plus more, can be considered “damages,” and damages caused by another person’s negligence deserve to be compensated.
What type of damages can you recover?
There are two main types of damages victims of car accidents can recover. The first is economic damages. Economic damages include any tangible losses caused by a car accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs and lost wages.
The second type of damage is non-economic. Non-economic damages are intangible losses, including emotional distress, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment from life. These should not be overlooked, since they can be significant. Non-economic damages are usually directly proportional to economic losses.
How much is your car accident case worth?
How much a victim of a car accident can recover from a settlement often depends on the percentage of fault. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence model, which means compensation can be reduced by each party’s percentage of fault.
For example, if a victim was only 10% at fault for a car accident, they may be entitled to 90% of the damages for their losses. However, if a victim’s percentage of fault exceeds 50%, they may not be entitled to damages.
Professional legal guidance can help victims of a car accident recover maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.