After a car accident in Tennessee, you may be able to recover economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in rare cases, punitive damages. Economic damages cover measurable financial losses like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages compensate you for the personal impact of the accident, such as pain and emotional suffering. Punitive damages may apply only if the at-fault party’s conduct was egregious.
Insurance companies often focus on paying only the most obvious expenses. Tennessee law, however, allows injured victims to pursue compensation for both the immediate costs of the crash and its long-term effects. A meticulous Nashville car accident lawyer can work to secure the maximum compensation available on your behalf.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for the direct financial losses caused by the collision. These losses are usually supported by bills and other documentation showing the amount you had to pay or will likely pay in the future.
Common examples of economic damages in Tennessee car accident cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and repair costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash
These damages are often the starting point of any insurance claim. However, they rarely tell the full story of how the accident has affected your life.
Non-Economic Damages
Car accidents do a lot more than create financial strain. They can also disrupt your daily routine and overall quality of life. Non-economic damages are meant to address these more personal consequences that do not come with a fixed price tag.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Trauma
- Loss of companionship
These damages can often add up to the majority of a car accident claim’s value, though every case is unique at the end of the day.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded in every car accident case. Instead, they are reserved for situations involving especially wrongful behavior, such as intentional misconduct. Their purpose is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, rather than simply compensate you as the victim.
These damages require a stronger showing of evidence and also usually entail that your case goes to trial.
How Comparative Fault May Affect Your Financial Recovery
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault law. This means you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 15% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by that same percentage. If your share of fault reaches 50% or more, you may be barred from recovering damages entirely.
Having an experienced attorney can make all the difference if you’re being blamed for your accident, as they can advocate for you and respond to these kinds of allegations appropriately.
Contact Woodard Injury Law To Learn More About the Damages You Can Receive
Calculating the full value of your damages following a Tennessee car accident isn’t always straightforward, sometimes requiring expert analysis and testimony. Contact Woodard Injury Law today at (615) 880-6126 for help with your case. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency, which means we only get paid for our work if we successfully handle your claim.