3 Types of Non-Economic Damages in A Car Accident

Cars most often involved in accidents

When most people talk about car accidents and the compensation afterward, they are referring to the monetary aspect of things. For example, how bad an accident was, is usually associated with the condition of the car afterward. 

However, apart from monetary damages, several kinds of non-economic damages may be faced after a car crash, and they need to be compensated for as well. 

Therefore you must be aware of such non-economic damages so you may be able to recognize them and ask for your due compensation. If you need more counsel regarding the legal aspects, car accident lawyers Lafayette in Indiana are a great option.

Following are a few of the most common non-economic damages after a car crash.

  1. Physical Impairment

This is one of the most damaging impacts that one could face after a car accident. While it isn’t directly a monetary loss, it is a loss that will heavily impact the compensation that you will get.

If it’s a short-term impairment that results in you being unable to return to work for a while, then compensation for that specific period is likely to be given. However, if it is something that will have a long-term impact, then the compensation might also include long-term assistance and care for the particular impairment.

Similarly, if this results in any significant decrease in your quality of life, such as due to any kind of paralysis, then compensation for that might be given too.

  1. Pain and Mental Distress

Another thing that might be considered as common non-economic damage is physical pain as well as mental suffering. If the accident was severe, you may suffer from short-term or long-term pain, both of which need to be compensated for. 

If the accident was violent, it may have short and long-term consequences on the mental health of the affected person, and lead to complications such as anxiety, PTSD, etc.

Both of these need to be taken into consideration when looking for your due compensation in court. 

  1. Loss of Family

This might also apply in the cases when the main (or sole) victim died in the accident, and the case is filed by a loved one. In this case, the non-economic damage is their spouse or loved one, and refers to the compensation needed for the loss of a partner or companion. 

While the damages with regards to the monetary aspect of the car accident are still applicable, loss of family is additional damage that will need to be compensated for.

Keeping these non-economic damages in mind, you should consult with your lawyer regarding the appropriate way forward. Some states do have a “cap” or upper limit with regards to how much you get compensated for non-economic damages, to avoid misuse and abuse of the system.

However, some other states have no such policy, and it is best to discuss with your lawyer what applies in your particular case.