Medical expenses and lost wages are not the only types of damages you can sue for after a car accident. Depending on your case, you may be eligible to sue for pain and suffering or punitive damages. Each personal injury case is unique and comes with different variables to consider when calculating how much compensation you should receive. A Tennessee auto accident lawyer can help you figure up these costs to save money that could be lost if you accept an insurance company’s first offer.
Personal Injury Variables to Add Up
Personal injury variables include factors like the severity of your injuries, how much money you lost as a result of the accident, psychological damages, and whether you can sue for punitive damages. A minor injury would require you to be compensated only for what you paid for your initial hospital visit, medications, tests, and any follow-up appointments. Serious injuries that take months to recover from or injuries that cause lifetime impairments will generally lead to you earning a greater amount of financial compensation.
Long-term injuries like these tend to warrant compensation for psychological damages. This includes pain and suffering, strained relationships, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment for life.
You are also allowed to include receipts for transportation, parking fees, medical expenses, lost wages, and consultant fees when calculating the total amount of money you lost from the accident. Anything that caused you to spend money in relation to the car accident can potentially be given back to you with a settlement. If you hire a lawyer, they can help you add up all these expenses to ensure you receive a fair deal.
When to Consider Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are used to punish the other driver for reckless behavior. The intention is to discourage people from breaking laws and safety practices. However, punitive damages are only legally justified if your lawyer can prove that the other driver acted in a brash or careless manner while driving. Otherwise, punitive damages will likely be dismissed.
Examples of justification for punitive damages are when drivers run red lights, speed high above the limit, or use heavy drugs while driving. If the punitive damages go through, this will offer further coverage for any damages you may have suffered from the accident. Be sure to mention any illegal acts you witnessed the other driver committing, to your lawyer because this may help your case.
Car Accident Lawyer in Tennessee
If you have suffered financial losses after a car accident caused by someone else, let us help you! Insurance companies may offer an unfair deal without you realizing it. This is why it is imperative to consult with an experienced attorney to figure out if your insurance company’s initial offer will serve your best interests instead of theirs.
