If you were hurt in a car crash in Houston, Texas law may allow you to seek compensation for losses caused by someone else’s negligence. Personal injury claims usually include two types of damages: economic and noneconomic. Understanding the difference between these damages and what can affect your claim’s value is key to securing a fair outcome.
Economic damages
This is compensation for the direct, out-of-pocket financial expenses caused by your injuries after an accident, which can include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Household maintenance
- Personal care
- Legal fees
Economic damages are usually easy to calculate using receipts and invoices. Making sure you properly record your financial losses is key to a successful recovery.
Noneconomic damages
An accident can also take a physical and emotional toll on your life. Determining the full value of your claim can also include the following damages:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and the emotional distress caused by the accident
- Disfigurement: Resources to address permanent scarring
- Physical impairment: Recovery for the loss of a limb or bodily function
While the losses above do not have a fixed price tag, receiving compensation for them can help you regain stability after a car crash.
Why do claim values vary?
No two personal injury cases are the same. In Houston, the value of a claim depends on several factors. The severity of your injuries can affect the amount of compensation you can receive.
Under the proportionate responsibility rule in Texas, your damages may also be reduced by your share of fault in the accident. Additionally, insurance coverage limits can also impact the final payment in your case.
How courts determine compensation
Lawyers and insurance adjusters usually review total special damages. They then use a multiplier or a daily rate to estimate general damages. Evidence such as witness statements, medical opinions and accident reconstruction can also strongly affect the outcome.
The first step toward rebuilding your life
When you sustain injuries after an accident, you do not have to settle for less than what your case is worth. A local Houston personal injury attorney can help you identify all potential sources of compensation while fighting to ensure you receive the support you deserve.