Skip to main content
Car accidents are often as devastating as they are unexpected. Following a crash, you may have to deal with both serious bodily injuries and damage to your personal property. If someone else is responsible for these damages, you may have a viable claim for compensation. An experienced injury attorney will evaluate your car accident claim and advise you of your legal rights.
Maximizing your compensation following an accident starts with seeking the help of a Pasadena car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will guide you through the process of obtaining compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, and any costs tied to your accident. It may be tempting to simply accept a settlement the other insurance company offers, but if it is not enough to cover your bills and needs, you may need to file a lawsuit to ensure that you are fully compensated.
Claims for Bodily Injuries
Bodily injuries routinely make up the largest portion of damage claims following a car accident. This may not be a surprise because injuries vehicle wrecks can cause devastating injuries. Some of these injuries are so severe that they may require surgery and lead to a lifetime of medical care. The most common devastating injuries commonly suffered in motor vehicle collisions include:
These injuries can require significant medical care. With the help of a trusted Pasadena car accident attorney, victims should be able to obtain compensation for all the costs related to their physical recovery. The compensation available is not limited to the cost of emergency medical care for injuries immediately after an accident, but also for the cost of physical therapy, occupational therapy, follow-up visits, and future medical care for accident-related injuries.
Property Damage Claims
In addition to damages related to bodily injuries, a Pasadena car accident attorney could also seek compensation for their client’s property damage claims. In some cases, the amount of property damage could dwarf any medical costs. Modern cars are very expensive, and as safety technology such as crumple zones become more prevalent and vehicles become more complex, repairs are often more extensive and expensive. The amount of damages available in a plaintiff’s property damage claim depends on the severity of the damage to the vehicle. Depending on the type of damage, a plaintiff could recover the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle.
Plaintiffs may also be able to recover for any personal property damaged in a collision whether stowed in the cabin or trunk of their car or the bed of their truck. Personal property, such as laptops, tablets, and tools are often transported in vehicles and can be destroyed or damaged by a significant impact. These property damages are often overlooked by people injured in car wrecks, but they are real compensable damages.
Punitive Damages in a Car Crash Case
Some victims may also be eligible to pursue punitive damages. These damages do not compensate a victim for the injuries but rather serve as a form of punishment designed to discourage dangerous behavior behind the wheel. In a car accident claim, punitive damages are only available when the defendant injured the plaintiff due to reckless or egregious conduct. A common example of reckless conduct in a car accident case involves driving while intoxicated and causing a collision.
Work with a Pasadena Car Accident Lawyer
There is no doubt that car accidents are unpredictable and dangerous. The severity of injuries is often simply a matter of circumstance. In many cases, you may have a viable claim for monetary compensation from the negligent driver. While it may be difficult to file a lawsuit, it may be necessary to pay for your recovery. Contact Haines Law, to speak to an experienced Pasadena car accident lawyer if you are ready to move forward with your claim.
