When injured car accidents victims are considering filing a lawsuit against the responsible party, their first question often is, “How much money will I receive?” The answer to this question will vary widely from case to case depending on many factors, including the facts of your case, the severity and nature of your injuries, your financial losses, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to evaluate your specific situation and estimate what your case may be worth so that you can make an informed decision regarding whether to file a legal claim.
Types of Damages in a Car Accident
The worth of your case will depend on “damages,” which are the losses that you incurred due to your injury. Damages can be tangible, such as for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and the like. However, damages can also be intangible to compensate you for your emotional distress or the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your injury.
Additionally, if the other party’s behavior was particularly egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages, which are not meant to reimburse you for your losses but to punish the wrongful party and deter such behavior. Missouri law1 does cap the amount of punitive damages in most cases to either five times the amount of other damages or to $500,000. In any event, punitive damages can serve to greatly increase the worth of your case if the defendant’s behavior was outrageously careless, reckless, or intentional.
The worth of your case may also be affected if you were partially responsible for the accident. In Missouri, comparative fault laws2 may lessen your award but may likely not completely prohibit you from recovering.
Contact a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney to Discuss a Car Accident Claim Today
Whether you suffered a relatively minor neck sprain or a disabling spinal injury, you still deserve to recover for your injury-related losses from the responsible party. At the law firm of The Bruning Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri, our car accident attorneys strive to help each and every client receive the full value of their case. If you have been injured in any type of traffic-related accident, call us today at 314-735-8100 for a free initial consultation.
LET US GET STARTED ON YOUR ST. LOUIS CAR ACCIDENT CASE TODAY
If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in an auto accident, contact The Bruning Law Firm today. We provide the comprehensive, professional legal representation you deserve at a time when you need it most.
Call or contact our office online today to schedule a free consultation.
References:
- http://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/stathtml/51000002651.html
- http://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/stathtml/53700007651.html
