Hopefully you’ll never be injured in a car accident. But unfortunately, motor vehicle collisions happen every day in California. In fact, last year there were 55,979 car crashes recorded here in the Golden State. If this type of unfortunate event ever impacts you or someone you care about, it’s important to know the steps to take which will protect your health as well as your right to financial compensation if you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, filing a civil claim can be a means of securing much-needed financial compensation. The types of line items in a car accident cash settlement are typically referred to as damages.
There are a few different types of damages that may be recoverable depending on the circumstances of your car accident. A Glendale, California, personal injury lawyer from Dordulian Law Group (DLG) will help you determine which damages should be pursued in under California law and according to the facts of your case.
In most cases, the four types of damages in car accident claims include:
Special compensatory damages may be pursued for any economic hardships resulting from a car accident. These types of damages will go towards expenses such as medical bills and the cost of any medical care you may require in the future. Special damages are intended to cover the costs accumulated in cases where the victim is too injured to work. They may also cover any expenses deemed to be a detriment to your economic well-being (e.g. rent, mortgage payments, and even relocation costs or property reconstruction necessitated because of an injury).
General compensatory damages may be pursued for losses of the non-economic variety, including pain and suffering and emotional anguish. These are broad terms that encompass abstract issues like diminished quality of life and even psychological trauma. Although general compensatory damages are quite serious, they are also less tangible, more difficult to prove, and therefore can be harder to litigate. However, having a highly qualified DLG personal injury attorney in your corner can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for any general compensatory damages.
Punitive damages are rare and in a separate class. A California court may find that a car accident victim is owed punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party’s behavior is abhorrent, egregious, or reprehensible, such that they intentionally operated a vehicle in a reckless manner with the intent of causing harm. Though atypical, DLG pursues punitive damages in all eligible cases.
Finally, wrongful death damages apply in scenarios involving a car accident fatality. These specific damages can cover costs ranging from funeral and burial expenses to medical bills incurred before a loved one’s death. Wrongful death damages are intended to compensate the bereaved (specific eligible family members or dependents) after the loss of an important person.
Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert car accident attorneys.
Dordulian Law Group’s team of experienced personal injury lawyers has the knowledge and skill necessary to secure you the maximum damages you deserve after a car accident injury. Our personal injury & accident attorneys are experts in navigating California car crash law. We’re committed to the well-being of each and every client we serve and are standing by 24/7 to guide you through the various steps within the legal process.
Contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to discuss your car accident case or ask an attorney a question.
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