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

Economic damages are objectively measurable financial losses including past and future medical expenses, lost income, and vehicle repair costs.

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

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible harms that do not have a fixed dollar value, such as physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.

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

Punitive damages are awarded above compensatory damages to punish defendants whose conduct was intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent.

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

Loss of consortium allows a spouse to recover for the deprivation of companionship, affection, and intimacy caused by injuries to their partner.

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

Future lost earnings are calculated using vocational experts and economists who project the victim's earning capacity over their remaining work life, discounted to present value.

Auto Accident Attorney Practice Test

Auto Accident Attorney Practice Test

Auto Accident Attorney Damages and Compensation