Crary, Clark, and Domanico helps people that have been injured in Spokane car accidents. Most people understand that a car accident brings with it a number of losses, from medical expenses to car repair costs. But there’s other, non-economic losses that you’re going to have to deal with. Our team can make sure you know what your options are and what you can recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Non-Economic Damages Can I Get in a Car Accident Claim?
It’s true that the bulk of your “damages” from a car accident are financial in nature. Whether it’s your medical bills and expenses, lost income from missed work, or car repair or replacement costs, putting a dollar amount on these is pretty straightforward. However, it’s often the non-economic damages that are more impactful. When you look at what makes up these damages, it’s easy to see why. Usually, these damages include:
- Pain and suffering – This covers costs associated with your physical pain and mental anguish that comes from the car accident. This can include immediate pain from injuries like broken bones, whiplash, or burns, as well as long-term discomfort from chronic conditions that develop over time. It also covers the pain associated with surgeries, treatments, and rehabilitation.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, this covers costs relating to the emotional trauma your car accident caused. Most of the time, this involves things like anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic accident. Emotional distress can also lead to sleep problems, mood swings, or difficulty coping with daily life.
- Reduced quality of life – This covers costs that relate to how your car accident impacts your everyday life. It most often focuses on the loss of your ability to do things you once did, especially activities with your family, at work, or with friends.
- Loss of companionship – This relates more closely to how the accident impacts your relationship with your spouse or other close family members. Your injuries might mean that you can no longer enjoy intimate relationships or create an emotional burden on the rest of your loved ones.
- Wrongful death – In the event of a fatal accident, part of your family’s damages include costs associated with their grief, suffering, and loss of your companionship. These damages relate to the immense emotional toll losing you has on your surviving family.
These damages are extremely important to your recovery after a car accident. But, it also brings up another major question: how do you actually get these damages?
How Can You Recover Non-Economic Damages After a Car Accident?
With any car accident, there’s going to be damage–and it happens because someone else was negligent. That’s why there’s a legal process in place and the main goal is to help you get financial support to cover these damages. There’s two main ways in which you can recover damages:
- Filing an insurance claim – You’ll work with an adjuster to assess the value of your claim. Insurance claims are usually faster and cheaper than going to court, but insurance companies often try to minimize the settlement, especially in serious accidents.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance settlement doesn’t cover your damages, a lawsuit may be necessary. Though this process takes more time and effort, it can lead to a higher financial recovery. Our team will manage all the legal steps, including court filings and hearings.
On top of your non-economic damages, you can also recover:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Car repair or replacement expenses
- Lost wages or future income due to missed work
- Funeral and related expenses in wrongful death cases
While there’s no guarantee of winning in court, it might be the best way to get the financial support you need for both your economic and non-economic losses. In Spokane, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim, but it’s crucial to act quickly and build a strong case.
What Can You Do For a Strong Car Accident Claim in Spokane?
Car accidents are stressful, and injuries only make things more difficult. To get the most from the legal process, you need to build a strong claim. Here are the key steps you should take right after the accident:
- Call 911 – The first thing you need to focus on is your health and safety. Call 911 for an ambulance and police response. EMTs can provide you with medical care at the scene, and police can help further if there are injuries, significant damage, or someone being uncooperative.
- Exchange information – Share your contact and insurance details with the other people involved. If they refuse, ask the police to help.
- Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and relevant road signs.
- Call your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurance company to start the claims process on your end. This can provide you with initial coverage until you get more information for further action.
- Keep all records – Hold onto documents like medical bills, repair estimates, and any communications with your insurance.
- Be cautious with statements – Stick to the facts when speaking to the police or insurance adjusters. Anything you say can be used against you. Also, don’t talk about the accident in public or on social media.
Following these steps can protect both your health and your claim. If things become overwhelming, our team is here to guide you through the process. We’ll explain your options, help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a lawsuit if need be. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
