Had A Car Accident In Charlotte?

You Should Understand the Types of Personal Injury Damages That May Be Available.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re likely facing a range of challenges that include medical bills, lost income, vehicular damage, and emotional distress. In North Carolina, victims of automobile accidents have the right to seek compensation for these losses by filing a personal injury claim. Understanding the types of personal injury damages that may be available is important.

The information below will provide you with an overview of options, but talking with the experienced personal injury legal team at the Law Offices Of Debrun & Armstrong is the most important step in helping you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Types of Personal Injury Damages:
1. Economic Damages (Compensation for Tangible Losses)
Economic damages are designed to compensate you for the actual financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. These are quantifiable expenses, often supported by bills, receipts, and other documentation. Some common examples include:

• Medical Expenses: We may be able to assist you in getting compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your injuries. If your injuries require ongoing treatment, you can also seek compensation for anticipated future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you can be compensated for the income you would have earned during your recovery period. This includes both past lost wages and future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or require you to take on a lower-paying role.
• Property Damage: You are entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, as well as any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as a phone or laptop.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: These are costs that are directly related to the accident but may not fall under traditional categories, such as transportation to and from medical appointments or costs for in-home care.

2. Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for Intangible Losses
In addition to economic damages, car accident victims in North Carolina can seek compensation for non-economic damages. These are more subjective and difficult to quantify, but they can significantly impact your quality of life. Examples include:

• Pain and Suffering: These damages refer to the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured as a result of your injuries. The severity of the injury, the level of pain, and the length of recovery are all factors that can affect the amount of compensation that may be available for pain and suffering.
• Emotional Distress: Many accident victims experience emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD following a serious car accident. Compensation for emotional distress accounts for the psychological toll the accident has had on your mental health.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have left you unable to participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed-whether it’s playing sports, spending time with family, or traveling, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, if your injuries have impacted your relationship with your spouse, your spouse may be entitled to seek compensation for loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy. This type of damage is particularly relevant in cases where injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities.

3. Punitive Damages: Punishing Reckless Behavior
In certain cases, North Carolina law allows for punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or egregious behavior. These are not meant to compensate the victim for losses, but rather to deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were especially dangerous, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, excessive speeding, or engaging in road rage. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded and are only available under specific circumstances. Our personal injury lawyers will evaluate whether your case meets the criteria for pursuing punitive damages.

4. Wrongful Death Damages: Compensation for Families of Fatal Accident Victims
If someone you love or depend upon has died as a result of a car accident, North Carolina law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, these damages aim to provide financial support and a sense of justice for the family. Damages in a wrongful death case can include:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses
• Medical Bills Incurred Before Death
• Loss of Income and Financial Support
• Loss of Companionship, Guidance, and Emotional Support

North Carolina law has specific statutes governing wrongful death claims, including who is eligible to file the claim and the types of damages that can be pursued. If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death cases.

How an Attorney Can Help Maximize Your Compensation?
The services of an experienced personal injury attorney can be essential and life-changing after a car wreck. “Calculating the full scope of damages in a personal injury claim can be complex,” said Preston Armstrong, a partner with the Law Offices of DeBrun & Armstrong. “Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements or disputing certain types of damages, especially non-economic damages like pain and suffering.”

An experienced personal injury attorney can help to:

• Gather Evidence: Your attorney will collect medical records, bills, wage statements, and other documentation to prove the economic impact of the accident. Your legal team will also gather evidence-such as expert testimony or psychological evaluations-to support your claim for non-economic damages.

• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may attempt to undervalue your claim, but a skilled attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all of your losses.

• Litigate if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, understanding the types of damages available to you is crucial to ensuring that you receive full and fair compensation. The Law Offices of DeBrun & Armstrong can help. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, or the loss of a loved one, pursuing both economic and non-economic damages can help you rebuild your life after a serious accident. Call 704-405-5505 for a consultation at our Charlotte office. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for you.