People harmed in accidents in Phoenix can sue the liable party for compensatory, actual, and general damages.

The goal of compensatory damages is to assign a monetary value to each area where you suffered from the accident. Actual damages cover costs directly related to the accident, such as property damage, medical bills, and missed wages. While general damages include categories such as pain and suffering.

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Notably, because many people are unaware of their rights as accident victims in Phoenix, they frequently agree to out-of-court settlements that are not in their best interests. Before you contemplate settling or not filing a claim, we urge you to consult with personal injury attorneys in Phoenix about auto accident claims.

This article will look at the damages you may be entitled to claim in a fatal accident case. Read on.

Wrongful Death Damages

You may be entitled to pursue wrongful death damages if you lose a loved one in an automobile accident. These are some examples:

  • Medical bills
  • Loss of companionship or consortium
  • Funeral costs
  • Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before their death

If you are entitled to submit a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one, a wrongful death lawyer can assist you in calculating these damages.

Medical Costs Sustained Before the Death

Any medical expenses incurred from injuries sustained in an accident are compensable. This could include:

  • Medical bills for doctor visits, treatment costs, tests, and hospitalization
  • Prescription medications
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Ambulance fees

Property and Vehicle Damages

Your vehicle was most likely damaged as a result of the accident. You can collect damages if you need to repair or replace your car. You can demonstrate automotive damage by using the following methods:

  • Witness testimony
  • Pictures of the accident scene
  • Bills and receipts from the repair shop
  • Photos of your damaged vehicle

Although property damage claims are often handled independently from personal injury claims, you would still seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You may be able to recover the cost of repairs or the fair market value of your car if it needs to be replaced, as well as the car’s lost value due to the incident.

Loss of Income

If the person who died in the accident is the sole earner in the family, you could be reimbursed for the lost income. The amount that the deceased person was earning can be reimbursed as lost income. In addition, any promotion they would have received if they were alive can also be calculated. 

Calculating the loss of income can be a little bit tricky since you have to factor in inflation and other things. This increases the importance of hiring an experienced lawyer.

Non-Economic Damages

Medical expenditures, property damage, and lost pay are all examples of special damages that a knowledgeable automobile accident lawyer can easily prove and assess. Non-economic damages, alternatively, do not have a specific financial figure and are significantly more challenging to measure.

Pain and suffering are two of the most common non-economic damages. The severity of your physical injuries determines the compensation you can receive for pain and suffering, how they affect your quality of life, and the prognosis for your pain and suffering.

Non-economic damages may also include the following:

  • Costs of therapy for issues like anxiety or depression
  • Embarrassment
  • Disfigurement
  • A general loss of enjoyment of life
  • Other ways your physical injuries negatively impact your life

Bottomline 

If a loved one has died in an accident, you may be entitled to the above damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Start immediately by contacting a qualified auto accident attorney in your area.