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Money alone cannot always erase every traumatic effect that a car crash has on your life, especially if the crash happened at high speeds and left you with debilitating physical injuries. However, civil recovery can dramatically improve your quality of life in both the short- and long-term by reimbursing you for your losses stemming from the accident.
Recoverable damages after a Philadelphia car accident vary widely from case to case. What you need to recover from after your specific accident may differ greatly from what another person needs to recover from after theirs. That said, below is a broad overview of what kinds of losses typically factor into these types of claims as well as what a seasoned car wreck attorney can do to help ensure you get paid what you deserve.
Understanding Economic and “Non-Economic” Damages
Two types of recoverable damages—sometimes called compensatory damages—can be included in a Philadelphia car accident claim: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those with objective monetary values that can be established through evidence like bills and receipts, whereas non-economic damages are more subjective and must be valued based on an injured person’s unique experiences.
Economic recovery after a car accident typically includes:
- Medical bills
- Car repair costs
- Lost work income and working capacity
- Other expenses related to personal property damage which have not already been covered by insurance
Non-economic recovery typically focuses on:
- Physical pain and suffering from accident-related injuries
- Emotional anguish
- Psychological trauma
- Lost overall quality of life
A skilled legal professional can help build a comprehensive claim that accounts for every form of damage an injured person experiences.
Are Punitive Damages Available in Car Crash Claims?
In addition to compensatory damages, it is also possible for a court ruling on a car accident lawsuit in Philadelphia to award what are known as punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish people who:
- Intentionally tried to harm the plaintiff
- Showed reckless disregard for the safety of others
- “Exhibited an evil motive”
It is rare for these damages to play a role in car crash claims. However, if a court does see fit to impose punitive damages against someone involved in a car wreck, state law does not impose any caps on how much money the court can decide those damages should be worth.
A Philadelphia Attorney Can Help Maximize Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident
The process of seeking recoverable damages after a Philadelphia car accident can be time-consuming, legally complex, and emotionally exhausting all at once. As tough as it can be, though, it can be essential to protecting yourself from life-altering financial and personal harm.
Support is available from the dedicated and compassionate legal team at Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys. Our lawyers will work to get the best possible outcome from your lawsuit or settlement demand. Call today to set up a consultation and discuss your path to recovery.
