Frequently Awarded Damages in Car Accident Lawsuits
Every year, more than five million car accident injuries require medical assistance, according to data from the National Safety Council (NSC). Those injuries can range from somewhat minor wounds such as contusions or lacerations, but much more frequently those injuries are serious and involve broken bones, organ damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries (SCIs), traumatic amputations, and disfigurement. There are also more than 44,000 motor vehicle deaths per year, and some of those injury victims receive costly treatment in hospitals in Texas and throughout the country in attempts to save their lives. Whether you were injured in a serious auto collision or you lost a loved one in an accident, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim.
In car accident lawsuits, what types of damages are typically awarded? Our Texas personal injury lawyers can tell you more.
Understanding General Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Before we discuss some commonly awarded damages, it is important to understand the overarching categories of damages that a plaintiff can be eligible to receive in a personal injury case of any type (including in a car accident case). Texas has two major types of damages in civil lawsuits arising out of personal injuries:
- Compensatory damages, which are designed to compensate a person for losses (and this type of damages award includes both economic and noneconomic damages); and
- Exemplary damages, which are damages typically awarded to a plaintiff but that are designed to penalize the defendant (these are any damages that are not awarded for compensatory purposes, according to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code).
Common Damages in Texas Car Accident Lawsuits
The specific damages — and the particular amounts — that you will be awarded in your case will depend upon the specific details of the accident that caused your injuries as well as the specific details of the injury. Generally speaking, however, you may be able to expect to receive one or more of the following forms of damages if you win your case:
- Lost wages due to your inability to work because of your injuries, a form of economic damages;
- Costs of your medical bills, which are economic damages;
- Damages to compensate you for your physical pain and suffering, which are noneconomic damages;
- Damages to compensate you for permanent disfigurement, which are a form of noneconomic damages;
- Damages to compensate you for permanent physical impairment, which are noneconomic damages; and
- Damages for loss of enjoyment of life due to the severity and nature of your injuries, which are noneconomic damages.
Exemplary damages are much less common in car accident lawsuits, but they can be awarded in circumstances where there was gross negligence or intentional acts designed to cause harm.
Contact a Texas Car Accident Attorney for Assistance Seeking Damages through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you were injured in a car crash in Texas, you may be able to obtain a wide range of damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. It will be important to discuss the details of your case with one of the experienced Texas car accident lawyers at John Reed, Attorney at Law who can work with you to determine the liable party or parties, and to file your claim. Contact our firm today to find out more about how we can help you and your family to seek the damages you need.
Sources:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/introduction/
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=CP&chapter=CP.41&artSec=41.001
