Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive: Car Accident Damages 101
The aftermath of a car accident is bound to be hectic, even when there are no serious medical injuries sustained. Figuring out what exactly happened during an accident is hard enough, but figuring out how to get compensation for that accident under the law can be even more difficult. Understanding the types of damages available for car accident victims is the first step towards getting financial relief.
Read on to learn about the basics of car and truck accident compensation from your Edinburg auto accident attorneys.
Compensatory Damages
Both economic and non-economic damages fall under the category of compensatory damages, while punitive damages have their own category. Essentially, compensatory damages are used to compensate the plaintiff for any injuries or losses. However, economic and non-economic damages are calculated very differently.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are far easier to calculate than non-economic damages. To put it simply, you can usually check a receipt to find the cost of any damages. Compensation for economic damages may include the following:
Lost wages
Present or future medical bills or treatment
Replacement or repairs to the victim’s car
Attorney fees
Disability
Funeral costs
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate and are often referred to as “special” damages. In Texas, non-economic damages are usually calculated using a multiplier of one to five, depending upon the severity of the incident. For example, a broken arm or leg that will undergo a normal healing process and won’t cause much emotional distress may only result in a multiplier of between one and two.
Some examples of non-economic damages may include:
Disfigurement
Loss of relationship
Loss of sexual functions
Reduced mobility
Damaged reputation
Reduced enjoyment or quality of life
Emotional distress
PTSD, depression, and other conditions
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are awarded by the court when a defendant’s behavior is deemed to be willfully malicious and beyond negligent. While this compensation goes to the victim, its purpose is to punish the defendant and to prevent them and other parties from committing similar actions in the future.
When these damages are awarded to deter other potential wrongdoers, punitive damages may also be referred to as exemplary damages. Punitive damages are rare because they often target entities rather than individuals, such as a corporation using false advertising or selling harmful products. When punitive damages are awarded, the cases involved often spark major news.
Although there are no official caps on punitive damages, they typically don’t exceed four times any compensatory damages. However, there are ways for this number to increase, especially if no non-economic damages were awarded or the compensation was determined to be inadequate.
Get the Car Accident Compensation You Deserve With Help From Bobby Garcia
There Car accidents can cause serious damage, and not all of that damage will have a concrete and visible cost. Because of this, it’s important that you seek the assistance of an experienced auto accident attorney if you’ve been injured in a Texas car crash.
If you’re struggling under a mountain of expenses from your car accident, get help. Reach out to the compassionate car accident attorneys at The Law Office of Bobby Garcia today!