Car crash victims who have been injured by a negligent party have a right to pursue compensation for any injuries or losses they may have experienced. Sadly, since victims do not always know what sorts of damages they might be owed, the insurance companies often attempt to minimize their payout amount. Avoid this issue by learning what types of compensation you may be owed after an auto accident, and discover how the help of an experienced attorney can improve your chances of receiving a full and fair settlement.
Specific Damages in an Auto Accident Claim
Specific damages pertain to any specific losses you may have experienced because of the crash. Examples include damage to your property, lost wages, and medical costs. Victims often assume that these claims are simple and do not require the assistance of an attorney. However, there may be expenses that you have not considered. For example, you may be owed money for any gas that you needed to purchase for medical appointments. Co-pays to your doctor, money for prescriptions, and even the cost of medical equipment may also be covered under your claim. A claim can also be made for the loss of future wages (or loss of capacity to earn) and future medical expenses, as long as medical experts and/or vocational experts can provide proof the claims are reasonably likely to occur.
General Damages in an Auto Accident Claim
General damages are a little more obscure than specific damages because they are typically unseen injuries and losses. For example, if the crash caused you to suffer from severe anxiety that has taken away from your quality of life, you could be owed damages for pain and suffering. Loss of consortium (the love of a spouse or parent), physical and emotional pain, disability, and loss of enjoyment are other examples of general damages in an auto accident claim.
Punitive Damages in an Auto Accident Claim
Punitive damages, or those that are considered a “punishment” for an extremely negligent individual, are rare in Wisconsin car accident claims. However, in some instances, such as a drunk driver who grossly exceeded the legal driving limit or a reckless motorist who drove well above the speed limit and caused the death of a loved one, a judge or jury may determine that punitive damages are owed. For help in determining if punitive damages may be owed in your case, speak to an experienced car crash lawyer.
Our Green Bay Auto Accident Attorneys Fight for You
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a crash, contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. for a free initial consultation. Dedicated and experienced, our Green Bay auto accident attorneys will fight for you. At every turn, we protect your rights and interests, and in every case, we aggressively pursue the most favorable settlement possible. Contact our offices at 920-739-7366 today.
Source:
https://oci.wi.gov/Documents/Consumers/PI-057.pdf