You are getting medical treatment and trying to get your life back together after another driver’s negligence left you hurt in a Wisconsin car crash. As you continue to take the necessary steps on your road to recovery, it is important to consider the last stop on your journey—the damages that you may be able to collect in a settlement or in court.
Purpose of Car Accident Damages
You didn’t cause the accident that left you hurt, and it isn’t fair that you’ve been injured. Unfortunately, there is no way to go back and prevent the crash from occurring, to prevent your pain, and to prevent your expenses. Instead, you are left with the imperfect, yet very important, option of pursuing compensation for the injuries that you’ve suffered. The purpose of car accident damages is to bring you as close as possible to where you were before the crash occurred.
The Types of Damages You May be Able to Recover
In order to bring you back to where you were prior to the crash, you need to be compensated for all of your accident injuries. Accordingly, you may be able to recover damages for your past, current and future:
- Medical expenses. These expenses may include doctor visits, hospital visits, surgeries, emergency room expenses, chiropractic care, massages, physical therapy, medications, medical devices, and other health care needs.
- Out-of-pocket costs. Property damages, childcare, help around the house, transportation costs, and other expenses incurred as a result of your injury may be recovered in a settlement or in court.
- Lost income. This may include wages, benefits, or lost income directly from clients or customers. It includes compensation that would have been earned from the time of the injury to the time of your recovery, and future wages due to the loss of earning capacity that resulted from your injury.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain that is a result of the accident may be recovered in a lawsuit. The amount paid is based on the severity of the pain and how long it will likely last. Similarly, your emotional pain or mental anguish may be compensable.
Additionally, in some cases where the driver who hurt you acted intentionally you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the driver, rather than compensate you for your injuries. However, you will receive the money if punitive damages are awarded. In Wisconsin, punitive damages are limited to twice the amount of your compensatory damages or $200,000.
Every case is unique, and the actual dollar figure that you might recovery in a settlement or court verdict depends on the exact facts of your case. To learn more about the specific damages that you may be able to recover, please start a live chat with us now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.