Putting your life back together following an auto accident in Riverside County can take a considerable amount of time, energy, and focus. As you cope with your physical recovery, you are likely wondering how you’ll cover the medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected expenses resulting from the accident. Although many auto accident victims recognize their right to pursue compensation to help cover these costs, they are less familiar with how to seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Here are some tips for maximizing your pain and suffering damages after sustaining an auto accident injury in Southern California.
Economic Damages Versus Non-Economic Damages
In California, auto accident victims can pursue two types of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to compensation for quantifiable losses, such as medical bills, physical therapy bills, medication, and other services that have a specific monetary value. Non-economic damages are harder to quantify, as they refer to mental or emotional effects caused by the accident. For instance, an accident victim may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, loss of enjoyment, or emotional distress.
Calculating Pain and Suffering in California
While there is no set method of calculating pain and suffering damages, many auto accident victims and their attorneys use the “multiplier method.” Essentially, the victim adds up the total amount of economic damages involved in the claim and multiplies that amount by a number between one and five (three is the most commonly used number). This calculation attempts to quantify the costs and burdens of pain and suffering, such as sleeping issues, therapy bills, and other limitations to the person’s quality of life. Alternatively, pain and suffering damages may be calculated by estimating a dollar amount for each day the plaintiff suffers mentally or emotionally.
Enlist the Guidance of a Temecula Auto Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident injury in Temecula or Murrieta can be overwhelming. However, it’s essential that you understand you are never alone in this process. Working with a skilled and compassionate auto accident lawyer is the best way to ensure you obtain a fair and favorable settlement that will support your recovery. Let your attorney handle these negotiations on your behalf while you focus on the healing process.
If you need help recovering compensation following an auto accident in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320.