Determining damages in an auto accident is a complex process that requires gathering evidence and evaluating the extent of injuries and property damage. A Knoxville car accident attorney will consider multiple factors when calculating damages in your case.
Generally, you may be entitled to compensation after a car accident if you can prove that another party was negligent in the accident. Under Tennessee car accident laws, you can recover three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to financial losses suffered as a direct result of a car accident or injury. They are quantifiable losses with a specific monetary value. Examples of monetary damages include the following:
- Property damage: This includes any damage to your vehicle or personal property. In Tennessee, you can claim the cost of property repair or replacement.
- Medical expenses: If you suffered serious injuries, you might seek compensation for medical expenses, including hospitalization, prescription medication, ambulance services, rehabilitation, surgery, physical therapy, and other medical-related costs. Your lawyer will also work with your doctor and other professionals to understand your present and future medical needs and determine the financial aid needed to cater for ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: If your injury causes you to miss work or lose income, you can seek compensation to recover the lost income, including past and future pay.
- Loss of earning capacity: Permanent injuries can limit your ability to work effectively or lead to a complete loss of earning capacity. In either case, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of earning capacity.
Proper documentation can help support your claim and allow your attorney to calculate all losses to account for every economic damage in your case.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic or general damages are non-financial losses that cannot be easily quantified. They usually have adverse mental, emotional, and physical effects to consider. You need to be aware that you can recover compensation for these losses. These damages typically include:
- Pain and suffering: This describes the pain and discomfort experienced due to the accident. It can also include the pain and distress endured during medical treatment and recovery.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the accident decreases your ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, you can pursue compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
- Emotional distress: You can also seek compensation for emotional and psychological injuries. These may include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and loss of sleep.
- Loss of consortium: This compensation covers the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy suffered by the spouse of an injured person.
Punitive Damages
You may also be awarded punitive damages, often meant to hold the negligent party accountable and prevent similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages can include gross negligence, fraud, and bad faith.
Get in Touch With Our Knoxville Car Accident Lawyers
At The Law Offices of G. Turner Howard III, we are ready to help calculate the full extent of damages in your claim. Call us at (865) 558-8030 to schedule a free consultation with our lead Knoxville car accident lawyer, G. Turner Howard III, and learn more.
