Multi-vehicle accidents can be overwhelming and traumatic, leading to a range of injuries and extensive property damage. These accidents often involve multiple parties and complicated circumstances, making it important to understand your rights and the damages available to you.
Knowing what each type of damage covers is helpful as you go through the legal process following the accident.
Medical expenses
Medical expenses are one of the most common types of damages you can recover. These expenses cover costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications and physical therapy. You can also recover costs for any future medical treatments that result from the accident.
Lost wages
If you miss work because of your injuries, you can recover lost wages. This compensation covers the money you would have earned if you had not gotten injured. If your injuries cause you to miss work in the future or reduce your ability to work, you can also recover compensation for future lost wages.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress you experience after an accident. This type of damage includes the pain from your injuries and the emotional impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression and a loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage
Property damage includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. This can cover items such as your car, phone or other belongings that were in your vehicle at the time of the accident.
Loss of consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family members. This type of damage compensates for the loss of companionship, support and intimacy that can result from your injuries.
Punitive damages
In some cases, you may recover punitive damages. These damages punish the person responsible for the accident if their actions were especially reckless or intentional. Punitive damages are less common but can be significant in cases of extreme negligence.
Understanding your options provides clarity and support as you seek the compensation that you deserve.
