A car accident can impact the injured and their families for weeks, months and even years. Financial recovery can help victims recover from unexpected costs after a car accident.
Many people want to know just how much their car accident is worth — and that’s a fair question, especially when the bills are piling up. Here’s what you may want to know:
What type of damages can you recover from a car accident?
Victims of car accidents can generally recover two types of damages. The first is called economic damages. Economic damages can include any kind of tangible monetary loss that can be seen on bills or receipts. Some common types of economic damages include the following:
- Medical bills
- Job loss
- Vehicle repairs
The other type of compensation car accident victims can recover is called non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are intangible losses. Some non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional turmoil
In rare situations, when the other driver was particularly reckless or behaved intentionally, the injured party may also be eligible to receive punitive damages. Those are not designed to compensate the victimized driver but to punish the bad actor.
What is modified comparative negligence?
Georgia is considered a modified comparative negligence state. Comparative negligence means that each party’s percentage of fault impacts how much can be recovered from a car accident. A plaintiff’s damages will generally be reduced according to their share of the liability, but they can still recover at least some of their losses so long as their percentage of fault is less than 50%. If their percentage of fault exceeds this limit, they cannot recover damages at all.
This is important to consider because it illustrates why it is necessary to use caution when speaking with the other party’s insurer. They will look for ways to limit their liability and reduce any settlement or award. Professional legal guidance can help car accident victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.