What Type of Damages Can Be Claimed in a Car Accident?

car accident claimsIf you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area, then you should know what kinds of damages you may be legally entitled to claim in a court of law. Hallack Law Office will help you understand your rights.

Car Accident Compensation in Louisiana

Damages resulting from a car accident will usually fall into one of two types, either economic or non-economic damages. Economic damages include the cost of repairing or replacing your car, your medical bills from accident-related injury and the earnings/benefits you lost while you were injured, including diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages might include your physical injury, emotional distress, dismemberment and other costs that are harder to calculate.

Some common types of damages that people claim after a car accident in Louisiana include:

Loss of use of your vehicle, including car rental
Diminished value of your car following repair
Loss of affection or companionship
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Medical expenses (both past and future)
Physical pain and suffering, both past and future
Mental suffering and emotional distress (both past and future)
Loss of enjoyment of life (recreational activities that you no longer enjoy because of your injury)

Limitation on Damages
The amount you may be entitled to receive in damages may be limited to vertain factors. First, most people may not have sufficient assets, particularly liquid assets, for them to be able to pay a settlement or judgment. There is a lot of truth to the old adage, “You can’t get blood out of a turnip.”

Secondly, a certain group or classification of entities may be entitled to limit their exposure for damages. These include the State of Louisiana and its political subdivisions.

 

Things to Remember When Involved in an Accident

1. Make sure to take photos of the accident scene, damages to your vehicle and any visible injuries that you have
2. Collect information from all other drivers involved including their auto insurance information
3. Collect names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident
4. Be careful of what you post on social media; do not make any posts that could harm your case
5. Keep a copy of all expenses related to the accident including medical and costs of obtaining a rental
6. Do not make any statements to any insurance company without first consulting with an attorney

Contact a Baton Rouge personal injury attorney as soon as possible to learn more about the options in your case.