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

Special damages (also called economic damages) are objectively calculable financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future care costs.

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

General damages compensate for intangible, non-economic losses including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life that are harder to quantify.

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

Punitive damages punish defendants for egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct — such as drunk driving or racing — beyond compensating the plaintiff.

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 consortium compensates a spouse or family member for the loss of companionship, care, and intimacy resulting from the injured plaintiff's auto accident injuries.

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

Future medical expenses compensate for the projected cost of care — including surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and long-term care — that the plaintiff will need in the future due to accident injuries.

Auto Accident Lawyer Practice Test

Auto Accident Lawyer Practice Test

Auto Accident Lawyer Damages and Compensation