How to Calculate Damages in an Auto Accident Case

A car accident can be terrifying. It can result in injuries, cause trauma, and end with extensive damages, both economic and non-economic. These can range from medical bills, lost wages, and disabilities to loss of property, PTSD, and missed opportunities. Understanding how to calculate damages in an auto accident case can go a long way toward helping you to prepare your case for negotiations or trial and understanding the legal process along the way.

The Different Types of Damages in Auto Accident Cases

Economic damages

In auto accident cases, there are various types of damages recognized under California law. Economic damages are the financial losses accrued due to an accident. These damages span several categories, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.

Medical expenses can include the cost of treatments, medications, and hospitalization. Property damage covers the expenses to repair or replace damaged belongings or real estate. Lost wages and earning capacity refer to the income and potential earning capacity that may have been affected by the accident, including missed work, reduced hours, or future work limitations. It’s important to consider these different aspects when seeking compensation for your auto accident case.

These economic damages aim to compensate individuals for the tangible financial losses they have experienced, providing them with the necessary resources to recover and rebuild their lives.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages acknowledge that certain losses cannot be simply calculated in financial terms. These damages include the emotional and psychological impact that an individual may suffer due to an accident.

This can include pain and suffering, regarding the physical and emotional distress experienced by the injured party.

Emotional distress illustrates the mental anguish, anxiety, and trauma caused by the event.

Loss of consortium recognizes the impact on a person’s relationship with their spouse or family members due to the injuries suffered.

These non-economic damages aim to acknowledge and compensate for the intangible losses and hardships faced by individuals, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and recognition for their pain and emotional trauma.

Calculating Economic Damages

Medical expenses

When it comes to your personal injury case in California, accurate calculation of economic damages is key. A significant factor to consider is your medical expenses, including both current and future costs. Rehabilitation and therapy expenses are also taken into account, ensuring you receive the necessary care for your recovery. Seeking fair compensation means prioritizing your well-being and ensuring access to proper medical attention. The ultimate goal is to secure fair compensation that encompasses all your medical expenses, both past and future. This way, you can focus on healing and moving forward in your life, unburdened by the financial implications of your injury.

Property damage

When it comes to calculating economic damages under California law, it’s important to consider property damage as well. This includes assessing the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and ensuring you’re compensated for the expenses incurred. Additionally, it takes into account the damage caused to your personal belongings, recognizing their value and the emotional attachment you may have to them. By accurately evaluating these economic damages, your attorney can build a stronger case to provide you with the necessary compensation to restore what was lost and alleviate the financial burden associated with property damage.

Lost wages and earning capacity

When it comes to lost wages and earning capacity under California law, it’s essential to consider the financial impact caused by your injury. This includes calculating the income you have lost during your recovery period, taking into account the wages you couldn’t earn due to your inability to work. Moreover, it’s also important to consider the potential future loss of earning capacity resulting from any disabilities you may have sustained. The goal is to ensure that you are fairly compensated for these economic damages, providing you with the means to recover financially and secure your future despite the setbacks caused by the injury.

Assessing Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering

When it comes to assessing non-economic damages under California law, it’s important to consider the human side of the equation. One significant aspect is pain and suffering, where various factors influence the value assigned to these damages, such as the severity of the injury, the duration of the pain, and the impact on your daily life. Calculation methods may involve the use of multipliers or per diem rates to determine a fair compensation amount.

Emotional distress

Emotional distress is another important consideration, taking into account the psychological impact caused by the incident. Expert testimony and supporting evidence can help establish the extent of the distress and its associated damages.

Loss of consortium

Loss of consortium also holds weight, acknowledging the impact on your relationships and family dynamics. Compensation may be provided for the loss of companionship and support, recognizing the strain placed on marital relationships and the overall family unit.

By carefully assessing these non-economic damages, California law aims to ensure that you receive just compensation for the pain, emotional distress, and loss of consortium you have endured. The goal is to provide support and recognition for the intangible losses you have experienced, allowing you to find solace and begin the healing process.

Proving Damages in Auto Accident Cases

Gathering evidence and documentation

When it comes to proving damages in auto accident cases under California law, it’s crucial to focus on the human element.

Gathering evidence and documentation plays a vital role in supporting your claim. This includes collecting your medical records and bills to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the related medical expenses.

It’s also important to gather proof of the property damage sustained in the accident, along with the associated repair costs. Employment records and income verification can further establish the financial impact caused by the accident.

Expert testimony and opinions

Expert testimony and opinions can significantly strengthen your case. Medical experts can provide professional insights into your injuries, prognosis, and necessary treatment. Vocational experts can assess the impact of the accident on your ability to work and your future earning capacity. Mental health professionals can offer valuable testimony regarding the emotional and psychological effects of the accident.

By presenting a comprehensive collection of evidence and expert opinions, the aim is to build a strong case that highlights the damages you have suffered. California law recognizes the importance of establishing the human impact of auto accidents, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve to help you move forward and rebuild your life.

Statutory Limitations on Damages

In California, there are certain limits or “caps” on the amount of money you can receive for non-economic damages in auto accident cases. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The cap for non-economic damages in most personal injury cases is around $250,000. These caps are set by state laws and serve as limitations on the maximum amount you can receive for these types of damages. It’s important to understand these limitations and consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

When it comes to calculating damages in auto accident cases, it’s important to understand all of the factors involved and the importance of accurate assessment and documentation. From medical expenses and property damage to lost wages and earning capacity, each of these components plays a key role in determining the compensation you are entitled to. Seeking professional legal counsel is essential to navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring your rights are protected, and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation. Remember, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a world of difference in achieving a favorable outcome for your case.

Contact Us




    UBER LYFT@2x

    On the road, life can change in the blink of an eye. Despite our best efforts, accidents still happen. Even when we’re doing everything right, drivers around us may be careless or distracted. Pedestrians and cyclists are at risk from larger vehicles. Trucks and other cargo carriers may not be loaded properly, causing dangerous conditions. Commercial drivers may be pushed to exhaustion from deadlines and company pressures. The physics of high-speed highways around Southern California could mean catastrophic injuries in a collision. We will fight for you to get the maximum possible compensation for any injuries you suffer so that you can cover your bills and focus on recovering your health after an accident.

    CAR ACCIDENT@2x

    You may be confused about what to do after a car crash. You must first determine who was at fault in the accident then file the proper legal claims. You may have to deal with you or another driver’s insurance company, neither of which are on your side.

    UBER LYFT@2x

    We all hope for the best whenever we get into an Uber or Lyft. But with the number of rideshares on the road today, accidents are bound to happen. Whether you’re a passenger inside a rideshare vehicle or a third party caught up in a collision with one, you may wonder how the rideshare companies affect your situation.

    TRUCK@2x

    Because trucks tend to be so massive in comparison to passenger vehicles, they have a sizable advantage in accidents. Tractor-trailors, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and big rigs usually weigh significantly more than other cars. As a result, truck accidents can be devastating.


    motorcycleaccident

    The dangers of motorcycles are well documented. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are naturally at a greater risk of injury because they are unprotected on the road. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be difficult for other drivers to see in their blind spots.

    BUS@2x

    Bus drivers may be working long hours or driving tired, especially if there are staff shortages. While local city buses may travel at slower speeds, others can travel just as fast as regular traffic. In the event of a collision, buses have a clear size advantage over passenger cars. Even pedestrians and passengers getting on and off are at risk from poorly driven buses.


    PLANE@2x

    Although rare, airplane accidents are often catastrophic and deadly when they happen. To complicate matters, airplane crashes involve complex areas of law and highly technical issues. Whether the accident involves a single-engine jet, private operator, or commercial airliner, you must establish how it happened to determine who was at fault. Between weather patterns, maintenance standards, engineering defects, pilot misconduct, airline policies, and air traffic control, this is no small feat. At Pyramid Legal, we help airplane accident victims and their families get justice, find closure, and recover for the harm they’ve suffered.


    bicycleaccident

    Bicycling is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, get in your physical activity, and avoid a stop-and-go commute in a car. But despite the many projects around Los Angeles to make city roads more friendly to cyclists, bicycle accidents happen all over Southern California. And in a collision between a bicycle and a car, the car usually has the advantage. 

    pedestrianaccidents

    Any vehicle traveling over 20 miles per hour can cause catastrophic injury to unprotected pedestrians. Broken or shattered bones, spinal injuries, internal organ injuries, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents.

    dog-bite-img

    Not all dogs are cute and cuddly. Some unfortunately do not receive the proper training they need from their owners. A dog’s jaw is very powerful and a deep bite can cause significant injury, ripping muscle and tendons and even breaking bones. You could face long-term scarring or impairment or become unable to do your job. In the state of California, dog owners are held strictly liable for dog bites, regardless of the dog’s history. The attorneys at Pyramid Legal can help you recover any hospital bills or lost income as a result of your dog bite.

     

    productliaiblity

    Everyday products can be dangerous if they’re defective in their design, manufacturing, or marketing. We often take the safety of the products around us for granted, but when proper safety and quality protocols are not followed, catastrophic injuries can result. This is especially true for products like prescription drugs, medical devices, everyday home appliances, or safety devices like airbags. When products are defective, innocent people can get hurt. Pyramid Legal helps clients hold companies accountable for injuries caused by their defective products.

    premisesliabilty

    Property owners, operators, and management groups have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for tenants, visitors, and even some trespassers. State and federal laws have basic requirements that public properties must meet in order to be safe for the public, such as proper signage, guardrails, and building codes. If a property owner fails to take the steps necessary to keep the premises safe, the Pyramid Legal team can help you hold them responsible for any injuries that resulted from their negligence.

    slipandfall
    Slip and fall injuries could happen anywhere – the sidewalk, the grocery store, a public park, a movie theater. Some areas are more prone to slips and falls, such as escalators, elevators, swimming pools, or construction sites.
    constructionaccident

    Construction worksites can be extremely dangerous. Although construction workers face risky conditions on the job, electrocutions, falls, fires, and heavy equipment can risk severe injury or death even for people passing by outside. That’s why construction sites must be managed properly in compliance with all relevant rules and regulations. The attorneys at Pyramid Legal can help you establish fault and recover compensation for injuries you’ve suffered on or near a construction site because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior.


    catastrophicinjury

    Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI), serious burns, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and amputations have permanent consequences. Victims may need medical treatment or supportive care for the rest of their lives. On top of that, an injury could make them unable to do their jobs. They could lose their income and insurance as hospital bills pile up.

    wrongfuldeath

    Even if someone causes the death of another, it may not always rise to the level of a crime – for example, traffic accidents where the at-fault driver was neither reckless nor intended to hurt anyone. But whether criminal charges are involved or not, a victim’s family can still get justice in civil court by filing a wrongful death lawsuit or survival action.

    property-damage

    Property damage could cost you thousands of dollars or more, whether it’s damage to your car, home, business, or other high-value personal property such as electronics. Even if your property is insured, your insurance company may drag their feet on compensating you for damages. They may try to get you to settle for less than you’re fully owed. At Pyramid Legal, we’ll go to bat against the insurance companies for you so that you get the maximum possible compensation you deserve under your policy. If your property was damaged by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, we can help you hold that person responsible for the cost.

    FIRE@2x

    If you have suffered property damage or personal injuries due to a fire in Southern California, a fire damage attorney can assist you in seeking compensation for your losses. They can help you navigate the complex legal process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing litigation if necessary.

    Pasadena Products Liability Lawyer

    If you have experienced water damage to your property in Southern California, a water damage attorney can help you recover compensation for your losses. They can assist you in filing an insurance claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing legal action if necessary to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

    vandalism

    If you have been a victim of vandalism in Southern California, a vandalism attorney can help you protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your losses. They can assist you in filing a police report, gathering evidence, and pursuing legal action against the responsible parties, including seeking compensation for property damage and any injuries suffered.

    lemonlaw

    Lemon laws exist in the U.S. to protect consumers who buy vehicles that don’t live up to the standards promised under the warranty. A “lemon” is another word for a defective car. California has extremely protective lemon laws for consumers. If your newly purchased car has been in the shop for repairs an unreasonable number of times, if it’s not the same quality as other similar vehicles, or if it has defects that make it unsafe to drive, Pyramid Legal can help you replace the car with a new one from the manufacturer or get a refund for your money.

     

    TESTIMONIALS

    Pyramid Legal is my go to! Ed and David are super
    responsive and reliable. They fought all the way for me and
    made sure I got the most out of my insurance and the other
    cars insurance. Highly recommend them to my friends and
    family. Thanks again fellas!

    Marwin

    Very attentive and passionate lawyer. Strongly
    recommended for your personal injury case no matter
    how serious your injuries are

    JANG K.

    Loved working with these amazing attorneys after my
    accident. They took care of everything! I could tell they were
    very knowledgeable and experienced when we met to
    discuss my case. And then when I called with questions they
    responded immediately without making me feel bad about
    constantly calling! To top it all off, my settlement was MUCH
    higher than what I had come to expect. Don’t hesitate to
    work with this team!

    NANAR G

    These guys are absolutely great! As an attorney I’ve
    personally seen the quality of work and attention they
    provide their clients and it is truly amazing. Having worked
    with attorneys of different backgrounds I can say with full
    confidence that this team knows what they are doing and
    do it with the level of care that puts clients at ease. Highly
    recommend these gentlemen

    CLAUDIA H.

    Ed and David are great attorneys very professional and
    they really put so much effort on my case! Went above
    and beyond to make sure that everything went smoothly

    AARON D

    Pyramid Legal was helped me so much when I had an
    accident. I was surprised at how fast my claim was settled
    and with maximum settlement. They’ve been so
    communicative and easy to reach at any time of the day.
    100% recommend.

    SOPHIE G.

    Instagram

    PRACTICE AREAS

    QUICK LINKS

    LOCAL OFFICES

    1055 East Colorado Blvd, Suite 500
    Pasadena, CA 91106
    Maps & Directions +
    500 South Grand Ave, Suite 1610
    Los Angeles CA 90071
    Maps & Directions +
    1245 W 6th St unit 103,
    Corona, CA 92882 Maps & Directions +
    818.814.8070
    CONTACT US

      SUBSCRIBE


      Scroll to top