You have likely heard how some injured auto accident victims receive a pain and suffering award on top of other accident damages. Now that you have suffered severe injuries in a crash, you want to find out if these damages are possible in your case.
Although it is sometimes hard to prove you deserve extra compensation, New York awards pain and suffering to many injured victims. Guidance from an injury representative can strengthen your claim. In the meantime, here is more information about the damages you can seek in New York.
Economic damages
Nearly all vehicle accident victims receive compensation, regardless of their harm. For example, you will probably receive restitution for damaged property, such as your vehicle and its contents.
Those who suffer relatively minor injuries can recover restitution for medical expenses, lost wages, rental car costs and other financial losses. These are called economic damages in legalese.
Noneconomic damages
As mentioned above, you must prove you deserve a pain and suffering award. Typically, showing that your injuries substantially impacted you in the following ways can justify a claim for noneconomic damages.
- The injuries altered your life and daily activities
- The injuries led to sleep problems and other lifestyle changes
- The injuries negatively changed your relationship with loved ones
With a doctor’s statement, you can also prove that your injury will continue affecting your life in the future. This can be a powerful piece of evidence that improves your odds of getting a fair pain and suffering award.
Increasing your knowledge of state accident and injury compensation laws can safeguard your right to seek the compensation you deserve.