There are two major types of damages that can be recovered after a car accident: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Colorado is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for these damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible and direct financial costs that reasonably stem from the accident, such as:
Medical Expenses
Medical bills often represent the largest aspect of a personal injury claim. You could recover compensation for your accident-related medical expenses, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgical costs
- Ambulance rides
- Home healthcare
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Medications and medical equipment
- Psychological counseling for PTSD or trauma
If your injuries require ongoing medical care, you can include an estimate for your future medical expenses in your personal injury claim.
Lost Income
You have the right to recover compensation for the wages you lost while you were recovering from your injuries or seeking medical treatment, including:
- Lost hourly wages
- Lost salaries
- Tips
- Commissions
- Bonuses
- Employment benefits
If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you can also seek compensation for your reduced earning capacity.
Property Damage
The most direct cost after a car accident is the damage to your vehicle. You can ask that the at-fault party pay for your car repairs. If repairs exceed your vehicle’s fair market value, you can request compensation to purchase a similar vehicle. You can also pursue compensation to fix or replace other personal property damaged in the accident.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You can also seek reimbursement for expenses you paid out of pocket due to the accident, such as:
Transportation to medical appointments
- Over-the-counter medical supplies
- Childcare during your recovery
- Modifications to your home and vehicle that you made to accommodate a disability
Receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and other documentation can help substantiate the costs of your economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages represent losses that do not have an intrinsic financial value. While these losses are more subjective in nature, they can be just as significant. Common examples of non-economic damages include the following:
Pain and Suffering
Car accident victims may suffer considerable physical pain and suffering. They can pursue compensation for their discomfort. More serious injuries tend to result in higher pain-and-suffering awards.
Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish
Car accidents can also have a significant emotional impact on victims. They may suffer from psychological trauma, leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and fear around driving. Victims can seek compensation for the emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the crash.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Some car accident injuries can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Accident victims can recover compensation for these effects and how they affect their self-image and confidence.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Car accidents can cause severe injuries that affect mobility, relationships with loved ones, and overall quality of life. You may not be able to participate in sports, hobbies, or favorite pastimes. In Colorado, you can seek compensation for these real-world losses.
Keeping a daily journal in which you discuss your pain, setbacks, and daily struggles can help substantiate these losses.
Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers for Assistance
If you would like to learn more about the damages you can seek as part of your personal injury claim, contact Dulin McQuinn Young for a free consultation.