To begin with, even the safest drivers can get in an auto accident. And, if you suffer injuries in an accident it is best to know your rights to compensation. So, there are two forms of basic compensation, economic and non-economic damages.
Incidentally, a personal injury case could involve both economic and non-economic damages. Especially, when trying to determine the total amount of damages from the accident. At any rate, for additional info on compensation eligibility, contact a Tampa auto accident attorney.
Economic Damages
First, economic damages compensate the injured for tangible expenses after a car crash. In fact, economic damages can reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses from the accident. Not to mention, they also include the following:
- Lost wages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost business opportunities
- Cost to repair or replace damaged property
Typically, most of the damages awarded in personal injury claims come from medical expenses. Furthermore, these cases usually require an expert witness to testify. Particularly, with wrongful death cases. Because they can help prove economic damages. As well as, they help with proving liability.
Unfortunately, each personal injury case is different. Thus, some cases can’t receive compensation for economic damages. Because in some cases the victim shares fault in the accident, due to comparative negligence.
Non-Economic Damages
Next, you can receive non-economic damages. Subsequently, with non-economic damages, you cannot measure compensation from tangible expenses. Instead, they include damages for non-monetary losses. For example, non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering (emotional and physical)
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (companionship)
- Permanent disfigurement
- Damaged reputation
- Depression
Regrettably, these losses are more difficult to prove. Nonetheless, do not ignore these losses. Additionally, the driver’s PIP insurance could limit your compensation. Because Florida does not require drivers to carry additional insurance. So, the policy will limit recovering losses for non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Although economic and non-economic damages are more common, you could receive punitive damages in a personal injury case. But, not all auto injury settlements will include punitive damages. Additionally, judges award punitive damages to punish the gross negligence of the defendant. Some punitive damages awarded are:
- Court reporter fees
- Costs of exhibits
- Reproduction fee
- Fees charged by legal experts
- Miscellaneous expenses
Currently, the state of Florida does not limit compensatory damages compensation. Yet, there are limits to punitive damages to keep damages from becoming excessive. Punitive damages may not exceed three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded. Or, $500,000 whichever is greater.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
