Auto Accident Attorney Damages and Compensation

Question 1

What are 'economic damages' in an auto accident case?

Accepted Answer

Quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage

Answer

Compensation for emotional suffering and pain

Answer

Punitive damages designed to punish reckless drivers

Answer

Fees paid to the plaintiff's attorney

Question 2

What are 'non-economic damages' in auto accident claims?

Accepted Answer

Compensation for subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life

Answer

Compensation for vehicle repair costs

Answer

Punitive damages for drunk driving accidents

Answer

Costs of future medical procedures only

Question 3

What are 'punitive damages' and when are they available in auto accident cases?

Accepted Answer

Extra damages awarded to punish particularly egregious conduct such as drunk driving or road rage

Answer

Standard compensation for medical costs in severe accidents

Answer

Damages paid to the plaintiff's attorney as a penalty

Answer

Automatically awarded in all multi-vehicle accidents

Question 4

What is 'loss of consortium' in the context of auto accident damages?

Accepted Answer

A claim by a spouse or family member for loss of companionship, support, and marital relations due to injuries suffered by their partner

Answer

Compensation for loss of employment benefits

Answer

A claim by an employer for lost employee productivity

Answer

Damages for loss of a vehicle's navigation system

Question 5

How is 'future lost wages' calculated in an auto accident case?

Accepted Answer

By projecting current income over the victim's remaining work life expectancy, adjusted for inflation and present value

Answer

By multiplying current weekly pay by 52 weeks per year indefinitely

Answer

By using only the victim's income at the time of the accident

Answer

By calculating unpaid medical leave only

Question 6

What is the 'collateral source rule' in auto accident damages?

Accepted Answer

Defendants cannot reduce damages because the plaintiff received compensation from other sources like health insurance or disability benefits

Answer

Health insurance payments automatically reduce the defendant's liability

Answer

Government benefits offset any jury verdict dollar for dollar

Answer

The plaintiff must disclose all other compensation sources at trial