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What types of damages could car accident victims recover?

On Behalf of | Jun 6, 2018 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

In the aftermath of any Georgia car accident, physical injuries typically require the most immediate attention. People might have back pain, broken bones, brain trauma and serious lacerations that take priority. 

However, while these and other physical injuries certainly warrant immediate attention, they are not the only types of damages people experience in a serious motor vehicle accident. Below, we explain the various damages accident victims often suffer and discuss why it is important not to minimize any consequences that follow a crash.

Special damages

Special damages, or economic damages, refer to quantifiable losses. In other words, they are damages that come with a specific quantity or cost. This can include: 

  • Medical bills
  • Wages lost from missing work
  • Costs to repair a vehicle

General damages

General damages are non-economic losses, which means a person won’t get a receipt or bill showing the value. As such, they are subjective and can be more complicated to calculate. However, they can be just as significant as special damages, if not more so. General damages include pain and suffering, as well as other types of emotional distress and loss.

Punitive damages

Punitive damages are not damages people suffer in an accident; they are financial damages courts can award to victims in some cases. They serve as a punishment or deterrent for particularly negligent, reckless or reprehensible.

Taking into account all damages

Recognizing that there are different types of damages that follow a car accident can be crucial for victims and their families. It can help them see that physical injuries are not the only consequence of a crash; there are myriad ways an accident can adversely affect a person’s life.

With this in mind, you should weigh your legal options carefully after an accident and discuss with an attorney what you may be eligible to receive by filing a personal injury claim. 

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