What Can You Sue for in a Car Accident?

After a car accident caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another party, you will likely be faced with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and repairs to your vehicle.

Furthermore, your accident may result in lasting physical and emotional harm. To recover fair compensation, you need to know what damages you can sue for after a car accident.

You will be able to sue for a wide range of damages after a car accident, which may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you identify all applicable damages you can recover when you sue the liable party.

Current and Future Medical Expenses

Following a car accident caused by the actions or inaction of another party, you may be facing serious injuries that require a visit to the emergency room, a hospital stay, diagnostic tests, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and a variety of other medical expenses. Covering these costs can be challenging, even if you have a good health insurance plan.

After an accident, you must keep detailed records of all your healthcare costs. An accurate accounting of the expenses you have incurred is critical for recovering the full value of your losses.

Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity

After suffering a serious injury in a car accident, you will likely have to miss time from work. An extended absence could result in a significant loss of income, which can make it difficult enough to cover your day-to-day costs, let alone any additional expenses related to your accident.

Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for the money you are unable to earn while your injury prevents you from working. You may be able to secure reimbursement for lost wages, tips, bonuses, or other income you would have earned had you been healthy and able to work.

Additionally, if you suffered a permanent injury that prevents you from returning to your current position or from working entirely, you may be able to recover compensation for lost earning potential. This can repay you for the money you would have earned throughout your life based on your current career trajectory at the time of your accident.

Property Damage and Repair Costs

After a car accident, the damage to your vehicle can be significant. The costs for repairs can really add up, and depending on the extent of the damage, replacing the vehicle may be necessary.

Fortunately, an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure you get the money you need to cover these costs and any other property damage-related expenses.

In addition to collecting compensation to cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, you may be eligible to recover money to help you pay for a rental car until your vehicle is drivable.

Furthermore, you can pursue damages for any other property damage resulting from the crash. For example, if your cell phone or any other personal items in your vehicle were damaged in the collision, you can pursue compensation to cover the costs for repairs or replacement of these items.

Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and emotional suffering you experience after a car accident can be severe. These non-economic damages are difficult to quantify, but that doesn’t make them any less real than economic damages. In fact, the compensation awarded for these losses often makes up the most significant portion of a car accident claim.

A knowledgeable car accident attorney can evaluate your situation by speaking with medical experts to help ensure your losses are properly accounted for after a crash.

Permanent Disability

A permanent disability suffered in a car accident can dramatically affect the rest of your life. In addition to potentially impacting your ability to work, a disability can drastically reduce your ability to enjoy many of your favorite activities, as well as potentially impact your relationships.

You can pursue compensation for the damage a permanent disability or any scarring or disfigurement has on your quality of life.

Loss of Consortium and Companionship

If your accident results in physical or psychological harm that impacts your ability to have an intimate relationship with your partner, you can recover compensation for this loss. 

Furthermore, you can pursue money for the damage an accident has on your relationships with any loved ones.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine whether these damages apply and ensure they are included in the compensation you claim after a crash.

Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rules

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage must be used first to pay for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. 

To sue the at-fault party for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, your injuries must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold under Fla. Stat. § 627.737. Our attorneys can evaluate whether your injuries qualify and guide you through the legal process accordingly.

A Knowledgeable Lawyer Can Help You Determine the Damages You Can Sue for After a Car Accident

Following a car accident caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another party, it is critical that you understand what damages you are eligible to pursue through a lawsuit. 

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have over three decades of experience helping injury victims pursue the compensation they need and deserve.

Contact us today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team and learn more about what you can sue for after a car accident.