A car accident might leave you nursing mild to severe injuries. Some may require an extended stay at the hospital, which could keep you out of work for a considerable period as you recover, not to mention the physical anguish you’ll have to go through.
When it comes to compensation, it is only right that you are compensated for both the economic and non-economic damages.
How damages are figured
The law looks both ways when valuing the damages you suffer from an accident. Some losses may be direct, while others may not be so apparent. Yet, the damages are significant in both.
For example, you deserve compensation for any hospital bills incurred from the accident as much as you should be compensated for any pain and suffering arising from your injuries.
Some of the other damages you may claim include:
- Lost wages
- Physical disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Lower quality of life, among others
Various methods exist to calculate or value non-economic damages, like your pain and suffering, but the most important thing is that you are fully compensated in the end.
Additionally, under Texas laws, you can recover additional punitive damages if the driver was intoxicated and caused the accident, although punitive damages are somewhat rare. These are unrelated to actual losses and are designed to punish the other party and dissuade others from similar behavior.
Do not accept lowball offers from the insurance company
Sometimes, the insurance company’s settlement may be insufficient to cover all your damages. If it is the case and negotiations are not productive, you can decline the offer and choose to go all the way by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Here, a jury will decide on the matter and award you compensation in the interests of justice.
Having evidence to back your claims will go a long way in helping you achieve your objectives.
