Coping with the aftermath of an auto accident in Riverside County can be complicated and overwhelming. Suddenly, you face a lengthy physical recovery, lost wages, and other issues that can dramatically affect your daily life. Additionally, many car accident victims experience emotional and psychological hardships stemming from the incident. While you probably know that you have the right to pursue compensation to cover your physical injuries and economic losses, here’s what you should know about collecting non-economic losses (i.e., “pain and suffering”) after an accident in Temecula or Murrieta.
Defining Pain and Suffering in California
When you suffer an auto accident injury, some costs can be easily calculated. For instance, medical bills will specify the amount of money your injuries incurred, and you can determine the amount of lost income you suffered when your injuries prevented you from working. However, other costs, called “non-economic damages,” can be harder to quantify. For instance, if you developed anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the accident, you and your attorney can seek compensation for the pain these conditions have caused you. In general, pain and suffering damages refer to the losses you suffered from the accident that continue to negatively impact your quality of life.
Quantifying Pain and Suffering Damages in Riverside County
As you initiate the auto accident claims process, you’ll have to assign a value to the pain and suffering damages you seek. Although there is no set formula to calculate pain and suffering, there are a few strategies for arriving at a fair amount. Statements from medical experts, psychologists, or other professionals who can attest to the damage you’ve suffered because of the accident can add to the value of your claim, as can the words of family and friends who have witnessed the toll these conditions have taken on you. You can use journals or records of medications you’ve been prescribed since the accident to paint a compelling picture of how much the auto accident has impacted your quality of life.
How a Temecula Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
There are many steps to filing an auto accident claim in Southern California, especially when pursuing pain and suffering damages. While it’s possible to go through this process on your own, enlisting the help of a trusted car accident lawyer can ensure that you secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Together, you and your attorney can determine the best course of action for securing you a fair and equitable settlement.
To learn more about pursuing compensation after an auto accident in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today at (951) 489-3320.