Sometimes, these non-economic damages after a car accident can be just as big, or even bigger, than the money you get for things like medical bills and lost paychecks. While you can show proof of the things you've spent money on, it's much harder to show how something has affected your life emotionally. And honestly, those things matter too.
If you're feeling lost or unsure about how to handle all of this, it might be time to talk to car accident attorneys. They know how to handle these tricky situations and help you make sure you're getting the full compensation you deserve. In the end, non-economic damages serve as monetary compensation and an acknowledgment of the victim's intangible losses after an accident. Though they do not have a fixed value, they aim to compensate for aftermaths such as pain, emotional distress, and other life changes that impact your well-being and quality of life.
Here are the types of damages victims of car accidents are likely to suffer:
Pain and sufferingis the type of damage that covers how the injury affects your everyday experience, your mood, and your mental health. You might struggle to sleep because of the physical pain, or maybe you're anxious every time you get in a car now. It could even be the days when you just feel extreme anxiety, PTSD, or helplessness because you can't live your life the way you used to. If your injuries cause scars or disfigurement, or you lose a part of your body, it can change how you see yourself, your confidence, and how you interact with others. You might feel more self-conscious or struggle with feeling different from how you were before.
The emotional weight of not being able to recognize the person you see in the mirror anymore can be quite overwhelming. The trauma of losing a limb or facing permanent facial scars can affect your sense of identity, and these feelings are deeply personal.
You know those simple things you used to love doing? Like playing sports with friends, walking your dog around the block, or enjoying a peaceful day outdoors? After an accident, those little joys might feel like distant memories of the good old days.
You might find that you can't participate in your favorite activities anymore because of the pain or physical limitations. The emotional impact of losing the ability to do what you love can hit hard.
The things you used to do are a big part of who you are, and when they're taken away, it can feel like you're missing a piece of yourself.
When someone is hurt, their family, friends, and loved ones feel the impact, too. Loss of consortium refers to the emotional and personal toll the accident takes on relationships.
This might mean that your relationship with your partner is strained because you can't connect the same way anymore, or it might be that you can't give your kids the attention they need because you're struggling with your injuries.
This can change the dynamic of your family life, and the emotional cost of that must be recognized. Suppose your injuries have affected your relationships in a significant way. In that case, you may also be entitled to compensation for that loss, and your lawyer can help you get this compensation.