If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Whether the crash was caused by another driver’s negligence, hazardous roads, or a defective vehicle, understanding the type of damage to recover is important.
Car accident victims in Georgia can seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. However, navigating the legal process can be complex as insurance companies often try to minimize settlements. Let’s explore the different types of recoverable damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include the financial losses you’ve incurred due to the car accident in Georgia. These damages are meant to compensate victims for their out-of-pocket expenses and financial hardships caused directly by the crash. Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Medical expenses usually cover hospital bills, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and medications. On the other hand, lost wages account for the income you’ve forfeited during recovery, while property damage includes vehicle repairs and replacement.
Since economic damages are based on a victim’s actual financial losses, it is essential to keep detailed records of bills, receipts, and employment records. These help to build a strong claim and recover damages after the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are non-material losses that do not have a direct value but considerably affect the victim’s quality of life. These injuries can sometimes be more profound than physical pain. The most common non-economic damages after a car accident in Georgia are:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
Pain and suffering include the physical discomfort and hurt caused by injuries, while emotional distress covers the psychological effects of the accident. Loss of enjoyment of life occurs when your injuries prevent you from engaging in the activities you once enjoyed. These damages are subjective and vary from case to case.
Punitive Damages
In Georgia, punitive damages are awarded in car accident cases to punish reckless and extremely negligent behavior. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate accident victims for their losses, punitive damages penalize the party with fault and liability.
The state’s law allows punitive damages in cases involving excessive speeding, drunk driving, road rage, or deliberately harmful actions. If you’re a victim, you must prove that the other party acted with malice and was extremely reckless.
While punitive damages are not awarded in each case, working with 1 Georgia car accident lawyer can increase your chances of winning this settlement. They’ll also help you determine if your case qualifies.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a car accident results in a fatality, a victim’s family can seek wrongful death damages under Georgia law. These damages aim to cover the financial and emotional toll of losing a loved one.
These damages usually cover burial expenses, lost income, and the deceased’s future earnings. Families can also receive compensation for medical expenses incurred before death and the loss of inheritance. No amount of money can replace a loved one. However, wrongful death damages offer families some financial stability and hold negligent parties accountable.
Endnote
If you or your loved one has suffered a car accident in Georgia, they can recover some damages. These include economic, non-economic, punitive, and wrongful death damages. These help victims and their families survive the impact of the accidents.
