Types of Compensation Available After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
In California, drivers are held financially responsible, or liable, for car accidents that they cause. For this reason, all motorists are required by law to carry minimum amounts of liability car insurance coverage. If you have a valid claim against another driver for causing your collision in Los Angeles, you may be eligible for a variety of damages, or financial compensation.
Compensatory Damages
The main category of damages awarded in a Los Angeles personal injury claim is “compensatory damages.” This is compensation awarded to reimburse a car accident victim for losses suffered. Essentially, they are meant to make a victim whole again. Compensatory damages are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages can be awarded to a Los Angeles car accident victim to make up for monetary or financial losses. They are also known as tangible or specific damages. Any money spent on restoring the victim’s life after the crash can be listed as an economic damage for insurance purposes.
Examples include:
- Present and future medical bills (necessary treatments)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Property damage or losses
- Losses of income and wages
- Lost future capacity to earn
- Disability accommodations
- Travel or transportation costs
- Out-of-pocket costs
An economic damage calculation typically uses the victim’s bills, receipts and repair estimates to calculate how much the car accident will cost, both now and in the future. In cases involving catastrophic or lifelong injuries, medical experts and Life Care Planners are often brought in to accurately estimate future expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages pay for losses the victim experienced that are not financial in nature. They are also known as intangible or general damages. Oftentimes, they are collectively referred to as the victim’s “pain and suffering.”
Common non-economic damages are:
- Physical pain
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
- Loss of consortium
These damages are more difficult to calculate, as they do not come with specific dollar amounts. A jury will determine the value of a non-economic damage award based on the amount of pain, discomfort and lifestyle changes the victim has gone through because of an accident injury.
Punitive Damages
In some car accident cases that involve severe negligence or recklessness, the courts may award additional punitive damages. This is an extra amount allocated specifically to punish the defendant for acts of serious wrongdoing.
In California, punitive damages will only be awarded if the plaintiff can prove with clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with “fraud, oppression or malice.” There must be evidence of egregious misconduct, such as driving under the influence or intent to harm.
How to Maximize Your Car Accident Case Outcome in Los Angeles
A car accident can cause financial strife in addition to physical harm and mental distress. A successful car accident claim in Los Angeles can make it easier for crash victims to move on by providing them with the compensation they need to pay for the effects of the collision.The most effective way to maximize your car accident case outcome is to hire an experienced accident lawyer in Los Angeles. A lawyer will know what strategies to use to get the most for your car accident claim, including filing a lawsuit, if necessary.