You have just been involved in a car crash. See what types of compensation you can recover.
Car crashes can come in a wide range of varieties. They can be minor fender benders or major accidents that result in catastrophic injuries or death.
Whatever the situation, if you have been involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to make sure you get compensated for your injuries. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be dealing with major injuries that require long-term care. In these situations, expenses could exceed $1 million. Can you pay for these damages on your own?
Most likely, no. A victim can claim compensation for any losses they experienced as the result of the accident. That’s why you need to seek legal help and get as much compensation as possible. Here are the damages you can claim in a car accident.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYEconomic Damages
Also known as special damages, economic damages help compensate victims for monetary damages they have suffered. These are quantifiable, out-of-pocket expenses that can be easily calculated. One of the biggest ones is medical bills. This includes past, present, and future medical expenses and can include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, medical devices, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatment the victim requires as a result of the accident.
Economic damages may also include funeral expenses (if the victim died), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, vehicle repairs, and other property damage.
Calculating past and present expenses is fairly easy, since you can just add up everything you have spent so far. Trying to determine future damages, though, is a bit more complicated. This may mean using witnesses and experts to determine the estimated losses you can expect to face in the future.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also known as general damages, and as the name implies, they are not monetary in nature. Instead, they are mental or emotional in nature. They may include scarring, disfigurement, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. If a person has become severely disabled due to the car accident, then they may also be able to claim non-economic damages such as disability, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of wrongful death, they may also include loss of companionship.
Punitive Damages
Rarely, punitive damages may also apply. Punitive damages are meant to punish the liable party. They refer to compensation paid to the victim due to the defendant’s extremely negligent or reckless behavior. Two common examples are drunk driving and distracted driving, such as texting or cell phone use. In Oklahoma, punitive damages are awarded by the jury.
Contact Our Tulsa Personal Injury Lawyers Today
A car accident can result in a wide range of damages. Make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, property damage, and more.
The Tulsa personal injury attorneys at BDIW Law can handle even the most complex car accident claims. We will help you get full and fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (580) 765-9660.
