It is no secret that car accidents can cost victims thousands of dollars. Victims may face large bills for their medical care after a car accident. A victim’s vehicle may need to be repaired because of the damage caused by a car accident. Some people have to buy or rent new cars because of the damage to their vehicle. Car accidents and injuries may impact a victim’s ability to work and earn a living wage.
Victims of car accidents often want compensation for their injuries and losses. Victims should know about the type of damages they can recover and how much they can recover for their losses. Here is what you should know:
Type of compensation
There are two types of damages that can be recovered after a car accident. The most common type of compensation that can be recovered from a car accident is economic damages. Economic damages can include the following:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle repair and replacement costs
- Lost income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The other type of compensation that can be recovered after a car accident is noneconomic damages. Noneconomic damages can include the following:
- Emotional turmoil
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Seeking full compensation for economic and noneconomic damages can be determined by California’s comparative negligence system.
Comparative negligence system
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that a victim of a car accident can recover compensation for their injuries and losses even if they are mostly at fault for the accident. However, compensation can be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Professional legal guidance can help car accident victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.