Many car accidents cause more damage than what’s immediately apparent. Along with destruction of your property and injuries to yourself, car accidents can take an emotional toll that can last a lifetime. Add that to ongoing medical bills, pain and suffering, or lost wages and you may have significant damages associated with your collision. Determining the amount of damages you can recover after a car accident in Philadelphia can be complex
Types of Damages in Car Accident Cases
There are two main types of damages that car accident victims can recover: special damages and general damages. Damages are awarded to a victim of a car accident in order to make them whole. That often amounts to monetary compensation that covers immediate and ongoing consequences caused by the accident. Some damages are easily proven, but some aren’t as simple. Let’s take a look at the types of damages that Philadelphia car accident victims can seek.
Special Damages
In Philadelphia car accident cases, special damages cover any damage with a monetary value. Special damages are quantifiable, meaning they can be easily proven. It’s important to keep records of all costs associated with a car accident like medical bills, pay stubs, car repair bills, and other receipts. Documentation is essential in recovering special damages in court and will allow you to receive the total compensation you deserve.
Examples of special damages include:
- Car repairs
- Medical expenses in the present and future
- Lost wages or reduced income in the present and future
- Court costs
- Damaged personal property
- Funeral expenses
General Damages
General damages are non-economic damages inflicted on the car accident victim. Although there’s no precise monetary value placed on general damages, they often have a significant impact on the victim’s life. After all, how do you place a dollar amount on emotional trauma or permanent disfigurement? Because general damages are less quantifiable, Philadelphia courts use a formula to put a dollar amount to the damages incurred. That can include calling in witnesses, medical experts, or other testimonies to the victim’s distress.
General damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment
- Disability or disfigurement
- Physical or mental pain and suffering
- Loss of a loved one
Can a car accident lawyer help you recover damages?
After a car accident, you may receive a settlement offer from your insurance or the party at fault. However, that settlement may not totally cover your costs or address general damages. Before you accept a settlement offer, you can consult a Philadelphia car accident attorney who can help you receive fair compensation. At the Law Office of Jason Javie, we have over 40 years of combined experience assisting car accident victims with recovering damages.
Retaining a Philadelphia car accident attorney can help you in several ways.
- Legal Representation – When it’s time to recover damages, the legal expertise offered by the Law Office of Jason Javie can’t be understated. We can walk you through the processes and procedures and stand by as your advocate during the legal process.
- Insurance Negotiations – Our attorneys will stand by you to help you receive the full compensation from insurance that you deserve. We work directly with insurance companies to negotiate the proper payout.
- Emotional Support – Life after a major car accident is overwhelming. We’ll provide support so you can focus on your health and emotional wellbeing while standing up for your rights. Having a skilled attorney on your side can be reassuring as you heal and move forward after an accident.
Do you need assistance seeking damages after a car accident in the Philadelphia area? Contact the Law Office of Jason Javie for a free consultation.