An automobile accident can be one of the most devastating experiences that you or a loved one will experience. According to data derived from the United States Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting Systems (FARS) released in 2018, the latest year with available data, Alabama’s roadways were the stage for the third-highest level of fatal accidents in the nation.
At 19.5 deaths per 100,000 populations, the Yellowhammer State was only surpassed by Mississippi’s claim to the top spot with 22.2 deaths per 100,000 populations, and South Carolina’s close second-place finish of 20.4 deaths per 100,000 populations.
That being said, however, an automobile accident does not need to be fatal to have fatal economic effects on you and your family. When parsing awards to accident victims, the courts of Alabama distinguish between economic and non-economic losses as a result of any vehicular accident.
The Lasting Cost of Non-Economic Damages
Simply stated, non-economic damage is the toll taken on accident victims in the form of long-lasting damage that is sometimes difficult to quantify. As an example, oftentimes, accident victims will develop emotional traumas as a result of an accident, which proves a barrier to that person living their life to its full potential. Typically, accident victims who develop PTSD, or family members who lose a loved one, can seek legal redress to compensate for any loss of income resulting from another’s negligence.
As mentioned, non-economic damages are difficult to quantify owing to the difficulty of assessing a specific monetary award for symptoms that do not have an inherent monetary value. Assessing a person’s pain, mental anguish, and suffering, and applying a monetary value to that pain, anguish, and suffering is a highly subjective process and difficult to prove to a court.
On the other hand, economic damages represent a measurable loss of income that can be documented and shown in a court of law to justify any demands put forth in a lawsuit. Therefore, let’s turn our attention next to the types of economic damages that frequently occur as the result of an automobile accident.
Types of Economic Losses Resulting from an Alabama Accident
Even the mildest of fender benders runs the risk of costing you money to get through the process. Whether from ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, or the costs of seeking alternative transportation while your car is in the shop all represent potential areas of redress for an accident victim in court.
Medical Expenses
In a country where two-thirds of bankruptcy filers cite medical bills as the primary reason for their economic stress, it is not surprising that medical expenses caused by an automobile accident are a major concern for those facing accident-related injuries. These monetary awards cover present and future medical bills, pharmacy costs, and the expense derived from needing rehabilitative services. These are very quantifiable expenses that can be documented and shown to a judge and used by a plaintiff to bolster their claims of economic loss as a result of the accident.
Loss of Wages and Future Earning Power
Time off work represents a real loss of income, and when caused by another driver’s negligence, presents a strong case before a judge looking into your complaint. In addition to lost work owing to recuperation and doctor visits, a serious accident has the potential to impact the person’s earning potential years into the future. Again, lost wages and missed economic potential as a result of injuries is an easily quantifiable dollar amount that can be recouped through litigation.
Property Damage in Birmingham, Alabama
Property damage, both to your vehicle and personal property damaged in the accident, is easily documented and eligible for claims in court. An expert in automobile damage repair should be consulted to create documented proof in any lawsuit. Additionally, keep receipts for any out of pocket expenses paid in the aftermath of the accident, including car rental costs, so you can submit them in any evidentiary proceedings in court.
Speaking with a Birmingham car accident lawyer will clarify your rights, and protect them against efforts by insurance company lawyers to avoid paying out on any claims. In the days after an accident, critical factors may fade from memory, so speaking with legal representation at the earliest possible time is critical to building a successful legal case.
The Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust: Wininger Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, a Birmingham car accident lawyer like those at the Wininger Law Firm is standing by to mount a vigorous defense of your rights. Insurance companies employ legions of legal counsels for the sole purpose of fighting and denying your claim in court.
As such, you need a strong legal advocate by your side on day one after an accident, so contact us to discuss the details of your case to ensure that you will not be financially short-changed at a time when you will need the money more than ever to cover mounting medical and vehicle repair bills.
Having an attorney in your corner with personal injury experience is your safety net when dealing with other people’s lawyers and insurance companies. Here at Wininger Law Firm, you don’t have to stress out about anything other than getting better and moving past the accident.
If you have been in an auto accident, immediately file a claim, seek medical help, and contact our auto accident team here at Wininger Law Firm.