After a Dallas car accident, your injuries can often take weeks, and sometimes even months, to show up. Unfortunately, many car accident victims fail to realize the impact that a car crash can have on their lives. Medical bills for a serious injury can force a person into a deep financial hole. By meeting with a Dallas car accident attorney immediately after an accident, you can get a clear picture of the damages you should expect to receive from a car accident compensation settlement.
What Are Economic Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Economic damages are tangible damages that cause actual financial loss to the victim. The value of economic damages does not change depending on the jury that is overseeing your case. Examples of economic damages include:
- past and future medical costs
- past and future lost wages
- costs of rehabilitation
- property damages
- expenses incurred due to your injury
- loss of potential earnings
It is important to keep copies of your medical bills and records, so that your economic damages can be accurately measured. Unfortunately, this can become complicated, since most people receive bills from multiple facilities and care providers. A Dallas car accident lawyer can help you collect this documentation and calculate the total amount of economic damages that you would like to receive as compensation for your injuries.
What Are Non-Economic Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Non-economic damages are damages that do not have an exact monetary value. They are subject to evaluation by a jury and can differ depending on the types of jurors involved in overseeing your case. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- pain and suffering
- reputational damage
- mental or emotional anguish
- loss of quality of life
- worsening of existing injuries
Since non-economic damages do not have easily defined costs attached to them, they are much more subjective in nature. Your lawyer may need to call in expert witnesses and people who know you to show how the accident has impacted your life.
Understanding Exemplary Damages in Texas Personal Injury Cases
Exemplary damages are commonly known as punitive damages in other states. The court awards punitive damages when the responsible party shows serious neglect or malice in their actions. Exemplary damages are meant to punish the liable party and discourage similar behavior in the future. For example, a delivery truck driver who operates while under the influence may be ordered to pay exemplary damages. This will show other potential offenders what they stand to lose if they commit a similar offense.
Reach Out to the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde for Help After Your Car Accident
The sooner you hire an attorney to handle your Dallas car accident, the easier it is for you to focus on healing. At the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde, we know what it takes to bring the insurance company to the negotiating table. Reach out to us at (214) 883-1700 to receive an estimate for your car accident compensation settlement.
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