Auto Accident Lawyer Damages and Compensation

Question 1

What are 'special damages' in an auto accident lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Damages for specific, quantifiable economic losses like medical bills and lost wages

Answer

Damages awarded for emotional distress

Answer

Punitive damages for extreme negligence

Answer

Damages for loss of consortium

Question 2

What are 'general damages' in an auto accident lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life

Answer

Standard insurance payouts

Answer

The total of all calculable expenses

Answer

Damages available in all 50 states uniformly

Question 3

What are 'punitive damages' and when may they be awarded in an auto accident case?

Accepted Answer

Damages awarded above actual losses to punish particularly egregious conduct such as drunk driving

Answer

Damages to replace lost property

Answer

Standard compensation for medical bills

Answer

Damages capped at the insurance policy limits

Question 4

What is 'loss of consortium' damages in an auto accident case?

Accepted Answer

A spouse's claim for loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the other spouse's injuries

Answer

Loss of vehicle usage

Answer

Loss of business income

Answer

The injured party's claim for loneliness

Question 5

What does 'future medical expenses' as a damage category cover in an auto accident claim?

Accepted Answer

Anticipated costs of ongoing treatment, surgery, therapy, and care needed because of accident injuries

Answer

Past medical bills not yet paid

Answer

Insurance premiums going forward

Answer

The cost of a new vehicle

Question 6

What is the 'per diem' method of calculating pain and suffering damages?

Accepted Answer

Assigning a dollar amount to each day the plaintiff lives with pain and suffering from the accident

Answer

Calculating daily medical costs

Answer

Dividing total damages by the number of defendants

Answer

Calculating hourly lost wages