What Kinds of Damages Can You Seek by Filing a Car Accident Claim?

Suffering a serious injury in a wreck can take an immense toll on your emotional and physical well-being. However, what many people forget to consider is that an accident can also derail your finances, leaving you on the hook for a seemingly never-ending list of expenses. 

Victims often struggle in the aftermath of a crash as they’re unable to work, left with no way to pay off their mounting debts. Thankfully, if you’ve found yourself in this scenario, you may be able to recover compensation for many of the losses you’ve incurred. 

Let’s look at a few of the types of damages you can pursue in California: 

Lost Income 

If your injuries prevented you from working for an extended period after the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages you lost. Additionally, if your condition is likely to inhibit your ability to earn a living in the future—or you will never be able to work again—your claim could potentially account for future lost wages and diminished earning potential. 

Medical Expenses 

Even if you’ve purchased a comprehensive health insurance policy, it’s not unusual to incur many different out-of-pocket medical costs in the wake of an accident. For instance, you may have to fork out for prescription costs, office copays, and home care fees. Fortunately, many of your bills may be recoverable. You might also be able to include expenses associated with any procedures you are expected to undergo down the line. 

Pain and Suffering 

Damages in a personal injury claim aren’t just limited to the numbers reflected on your bills, invoices, and receipts. Some losses take the form of invisible scars that can still have a significant effect on your quality of life.  

In many cases, these non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life—can be far more devastating than your monetary losses. However, proving these intangible losses can be challenging, and you will likely have to rely on many different types of evidence to demonstrate these damages. Such proof could include 

  • Personal injury journal entries 
  • Psychiatric evaluations 
  • Expert witness deposition
  • Day-in-the-life films
  • Statements from loved ones, friends, and colleagues 

Objectively Verifiable Losses 

Almost all of the costs you wouldn’t have incurred had it not been for the wreck may be recoverable. For instance, you may receive compensation for the expenses associated with reasonable and necessary replacement services, repairs, home and vehicle modifications, and alternative transportation. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Car Accident Attorney 

Do you need help building a personal injury claim? Turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers.  

We can investigate the accident and review the available evidence to help approximate fair compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. No matter how big or small the amount you are seeking, we will give your case the attention it deserves. Reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or tap through to our Contact Page to request a free case assessment with a California car accident attorney.