Pain and suffering is a common component of damages awarded to car accident victims. But it is important to understand that your suffering doesn’t end with your medical bills or lost wages. These damages compensate the victim for any physical, mental, and emotional distress caused by the accident. When seeking financial compensation after an automobile accident, it’s important to understand how pain and suffering claims work and to know when you need a lawyer experienced in car accident law to help with your case. Here, one of the best car accident lawyers to work with is attorneys from Robert DeBry & Associates who have decades of experience fighting for the rights of car accident victims.
Understanding Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering, also known as non-economic damages, are a type of compensation victims may be entitled to for the harm they’ve experienced from an automobile accident. These pains are typically associated with physical, emotional, and mental anguish caused by the accident. Pain and suffering are often used in a legal context to refer to any form of distress or discomfort that a person experiences due to another’s negligence or wrongful act.
When calculating pain and suffering damages in an automobile accident case, courts consider the victim’s lifestyle before and after the incident as well as the type and severity of pain endured by the victim. The amount of compensation awarded for pain and suffering can vary widely depending on the facts of each case; therefore it is important to speak to a qualified car accident lawyer to help you navigate through the legal processes.
Common Types of Non-Economic Damages for Car Accidents
Emotional distress is a common type of pain and suffering compensation awarded to car accident victims. This type of damage includes mental anguish, such as fear and anxiety resulting from an accident. Additionally, you may be able to file a claim for physical pain and suffering caused by the accident. This includes significant physical injuries that require long-term treatment or surgery, as well as any permanent disability or disfigurement suffered due to the accident. Other types of non-economic damages you may be able to recover from a car accident include loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium (services and companionship), and inconvenience.
When You Need an Attorney for Pain and Suffering Claims
You don’t necessarily need a lawyer to handle your pain and suffering claim following an automobile accident. However, it’s important to remember that the insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible, and having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can give you a better chance of recovering full compensation. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that all elements of your claim are taken into consideration when negotiating with the insurance company. An attorney will also be able to determine if the compensation offered is fair and reasonable. Additionally, an attorney can help ensure that your case is handled in a way that meets the applicable legal deadlines for filing claims and appeals.
Finally, an experienced car accident lawyer will be able to provide advice and guidance throughout the entire process, from filing your claim to negotiating with the insurance company and through any courtroom proceedings if necessary. With an experienced lawyer working on your behalf, you can rest assured that all aspects of your case will be taken care of and that you will receive just compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the accident.