Under Connecticut law, a driver who is found to be at fault for car accidents may be legally required to compensate those who suffered injuries or damages in the crash. Generally, these injured parties may include:
- Other drivers
- Passengers
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Property owners
- Surviving family members (if the victim died in the crash)
As the victim of a car accident, you have the right to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
Economic damages refer to damages with tangible value. Invoices, bills, and other documentation can specify the amount owed for the following:
- Medical expenses: Ambulance and emergency costs, emergency room costs, surgery, medication, medical testing, etc.
- Lost wages: Wages that would have been earned if the victim had not been involved in the accident.
- Loss of earning capacity: Future loss of pay caused by reduced work capacity.
- Property damage: Vehicle repair costs and other property damage caused by the accident.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify because they are more subjective in nature. Some common forms of non-economic damages include:
- Mental anguish/emotional distress: Damage to the victim’s mental and emotional struggles resulting from the accident.
- Loss of companionship/consortium: Damage to the relationship between the accident victim and their husband/wife/child/another family member.
- Disfigurement or disability: Long-lasting or permanent effects caused by accident-related injuries.
If you were injured in a car accident, you are likely entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. A personal injury attorney can review your case and give you an idea of what damages you will likely recover.
