Many car accident victims don’t realize the full extent of financial repercussions of a serious accident until sometime after an accident has taken place and expenses have begun piling up.
According to the National Safety Council, the average economic cost of a car accident can vary considerably depending upon the severity of the accident.
In 2012, for example, the NSC found that the average economic cost of a motor vehicle fatality was $1,410,000. The average cost of a disabling injury caused by a crash was $78,900, while the average cost of an accident involving property damage and non-disabling injuries was $8,900.
Monetary Damages
Financial expenses such as lost income and medical bills are two of the primary types of monetary damages that can be included in a personal injury claim. Other types of monetary damages include:
- Vehicle repairs
- Property damage
Non-monetary Damages
Car accident victims in Florida may also be able to seek compensation for additional damages that are not directly related to financial expenses. Pain and suffering are examples of non-monetary damages that can apply to some types of car accident injury claims.
Punitive Damages
When it comes to some personal injury cases, victims may be entitled to punitive damages due to the actual cause of the accident itself.
In cases involving drunk driving, for example, Florida state law provides injury victims with the ability to seek punitive damages in addition to any compensatory damages that may apply to a claim. Punitive damages are designed to serve as a deterrent to irresponsible or negligent behavior as well as to punish individuals for their bad behavior.
Have you recently been involved in a serious Tampa car accident that was caused by another person’s negligence? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk now to speak with our injury law team.
It’s difficult to focus on recovering from a severe accident when you are preoccupied with the considerable financial expenses associated with a serious accident.
Call the car accident lawyers of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free evaluation of your case to learn how our injury law team may be able to stand up for you and your loved ones.