Recoverable Damages After a Banning Car Accident

While no two accidents are exactly alike, California law gives you the right to pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence causes you harm. A knowledgeable auto collision attorney at Walter Clark Legal Group could help you identify your recoverable damages after a Banning car accident and seek a settlement that reflects the full scope of your losses.

Types of Damages To Claim After a Crash

In a car accident claim, “damages” refers to the compensation someone can recover for injuries or losses. There are two types for which they may seek payment.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the financial losses and are relatively easy to calculate. They include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, hospital stays, medications, follow-up care, and any necessary ongoing medical treatment may qualify
• Lost wages: If injuries have kept an accident victim out of their job, they may be able to recover the income they have missed from working
• Loss of earning capacity: If the injuries are serious enough to affect future working ability, this can also be part of the settlement
• Property damage: This typically includes repair or replacement of the injured party’s vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash

It’s important to keep records of all these expenses. An attorney can help gather documentation to support a claim, making sure to include all relevant details.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are harder to quantify, but these can have just as great an impact on someone’s life:

• Pain and suffering: The physical pain and discomfort an accident victim has endured due to their injuries
• Emotional distress: Mental health struggles that come with being in an accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: No longer being able to take part in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
• Loss of consortium: Recoverable damages awarded to a spouse or family member for the impact the injuries have had on their relationship

These non-economic damages are just as real as medical bills or car repairs.

A lawyer could help an accident victim understand the available compensation for both economic and non-economic losses due to their auto accident in Banning.

Punitive Damages in Rare Cases

In some rare situations, such as when the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness or with malicious intent, an individual might also be able to seek punitive damages. The purpose of these monetary awards is to penalize the wrongdoer. For example, if a drunk driver causes a car crash in Banning, the court may grant additional damages to hold them accountable.

Why It Is Important Not To Settle Too Soon?

After an accident, the insurance company may offer the victim a quick settlement. Companies know that it might be tempting to accept, especially when bills are piling up. However, it is important for the individual to wait until they are aware of the full extent of their injuries; once they agree to a settlement, they usually cannot ask for more money, even if complications arise later.

A lawyer in Banning could review the collision case, calculate all compensation the person may deserve, and negotiate for a settlement that allows for both current and future needs.

A Banning Lawyer Could Help You Recover Damages After a Car Accident

Recovering from a car crash is hard enough without having to fight for fair recoverable damages after a Banning car accident. The car accident attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group make sure your losses receive serious consideration.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and get the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.