What Compensation Can a Utah Car Accident Attorney Help Recover?
Were you seriously injured in a West Valley City area car wreck caused by a careless or negligent driver? An experienced Utah car accident attorney can explain your legal rights and help you build a strong case for compensation.
As for the worth of your claim, that depends largely upon the types of damages that apply to your case. A legal professional who specializes in personal injury law — and who regularly represents injured car wreck victims – will make sure you don’t miss out on any of the money you’re owed. Below, an in-the-know car accident attorney offers insight into the types of compensation available in the state of Utah. .
Economic Damages
Also called special damages, economic damages are meant to cover the actual monetary consequences of a car accident. These losses are measurable, meaning that the amounts can be calculated by examining receipts, invoices and other documents.
In Utah, injured victims may be entitled to receive compensation for a range of economic damages. Through your claim, an experienced car accident attorney may look to help you recover the following:
Medical Expenses
West Valley City car wreck victims can seek out reimbursement for the cost of medical treatment related to the collision. In addition to the expenses you’ve already incurred, you may be awarded damages for ongoing and future medical care.
Lost Income
When injuries sustained in a car accident are the reason for missing work, compensation for wages that were lost can be a part of the personal injury claim. Also, if you used vacation days or sick time, you have the right to be compensated.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Severe injuries can force car wreck victims into a different line of work – and for some, taking any type of job just isn’t possible. If you’re in either of those situations, a car accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for future economic loss.
Property Loss
Car wrecks that result in serious injuries often cause significant property damage as well. In your personal injury claim, you can ask to be reimbursed for your repair costs or the fair market value of any items that were damaged during the accident.
In-Home Services
For West Valley City car accident victims who are severely injured, accomplishing routine tasks may require extra help. If you had to hire someone to assist with cleaning, cooking, yardwork, transportation or child care, you can pursue compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses that injured car accident victims incur have an actual dollar value. Those that cannot be calculated and aren’t based on out-of-pocket costs are classified as non-economic or general damages.
Non-economic damages are highly subjective and difficult to prove, but these types of losses are fully compensable under Utah state law. An experienced car accident attorney may be able to assist you in recovering compensation for the following:
Pain and Suffering
The severity of injuries in Utah car accidents can vary, but many victims suffer serious discomfort. If your West Valley City car wreck has caused you to experience ongoing feelings of physical pain, that can be included in your claim for damages.
Emotional Distress
Being involved in a serious car accident can have a profound psychological impact. Victims often suffer from depression, anxiety, guilt and other forms of mental anguish, and if you’re emotionally distressed, your personal injury claim may offer compensation.
Loss of Enjoyment
Injuries caused in car wrecks keep some victims from enjoying hobbies, recreational activities and regular day-to-day pursuits. If that’s been the case for you, a car accident attorney can help you get compensated for your inability to take pleasure in life.
Loss of Consortium
After a car accident, familial relationships can take a turn for the worse. If being injured has resulted in the loss of love, affection or companionship, or if the accident has led to difficulties with sexual relations, you may be legally entitled to compensation.
Disfigurement
An individual’s self-esteem and quality of life can be compromised when a car wreck causes a significant amount of scarring, permanent injury or any sort of mobility impairment. If you’ve been blinded or disfigured, damages may be awarded.
How an Experienced Utah Car Accident Attorney Can Help
While West Valley City car wreck victims aren’t required to have legal representation, hiring a lawyer is in your best interests. Insurance companies have a team of legal professionals on their side, and being alone at the negotiating table doesn’t put you in the best position to collect the maximum in economic and non-economic damages.
Research shows that injured victims who work with an experienced car accident attorney typically receive two to three times as large of a payout. Turn your case over to a personal injury law firm, and you’ll have expert help in determining which of the above forms of compensation apply to your claim. And given that most only charge a fee when they’re successful in recovering damages, you can count on a lawyer to fight for every single dollar you deserve.
Cockayne Law, a highly respected Utah personal injury law firm, has been protecting the rights of injured victims in West Valley City for many years. For a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim with a friendly and knowledgeable car accident attorney, contact our office today.
