An auto accident can often have a large financial and emotional impact on an individual’s life. Accidents may frequently result in car repairs, medical bills, and emotional damage. Each of these factors can affect the total compensation that an individual may be entitled to.
Compensation in Mississippi auto accidents is separated into two broad categories, compensatory damages, and punitive damages. Compensatory damages may allow an individual to recover financial loss following an accident and include economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish or deter an at-fault party for engaging in gross negligence that led to the accident. Each of these damages may be important to assess for anyone considering a legal claim following an auto accident. Reach out to a seasoned attorney to learn about what damages can be recovered after an auto accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are commonly referred to as special damages. These damages may include medical bills, car repair bills, and lost wages resulting from an injury. In severe auto accidents, an individual may be able to recover funeral expenses and loss of earning capacity. Special damages are typically easier to calculate since they often have a direct monetary value associated with them.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also commonly referred to as general damages. These damages may include damages that are not physical or financial in nature, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a decrease in quality of life. These damages may be used to create a multiplier that is then applied to special damages. Mississippi state law imposes a $1 million maximum on damages available to be recovered under this category.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be applied when the at-fault party demonstrated excessive negligence that led to an accident. This may include actions that demonstrate an intentional disregard for safety or intentional recklessness. Additionally, a party may be able to recover punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party was driving under the influence or in hit-and-run accidents. There is a maximum cap on punitive damages that can vary depending on the net worth of the at-fault individual.
Contact an Experienced Mississippi Auto Accident Attorney Today
The types and amount of damages that a person may recover following an auto accident can be complex. When someone should be focused on recovering, they are often forced to confront the difficulties of assessing their damages. The knowledgeable car accident legal team at Lott Law may be able to help you evaluate your damages and receive the largest compensation possible. Call our experienced car accident attorneys today.