Damages Available in Missouri Car Accidents
Request Free ConsultationExperiencing a car accident can leave lasting scars, both physically and emotionally. In Missouri, victims of these traumatic incidents have the right to seek financial compensation for the harm that they suffered through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. If you have been injured in a car accident in Missouri, you can recover three primary types of compensation or damages: economic, non-economic, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident. They are calculated based on concrete evidence like bills and loss statements. This category can encompass many expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property repairs.
Medical Expenses
Your past and future medical bills make up a significant portion of economic damages. A car accident settlement can help pay for all medical care that you require as a result of the collision, such as emergency room charges, hospitalization fees, expenses for surgical procedures, costs of prescription medications, and fees for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
Lost wages address the income that you did not earn as a result of the accident, either while you were recovering from your injuries or receiving medical care. If the injury permanently affects your ability to work, you can claim compensation for your future lost wages.
Property Damage
You can recover compensation for any damage to personal belongings in the accident. The most common form involves vehicle damage; you can recover compensation for repairs or the replacement value of the vehicle if it is deemed a total loss. This category also covers damage to items within the vehicle during the crash, such as personal electronics, clothing, and eyewear.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, often referred to as pain and suffering, encompass the emotional and physical distress resulting from a car accident. This category can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages in Missouri are less about compensating the victim and more about penalizing the wrongdoer for particularly reckless or egregious behavior. They are not available in every car accident case; behavior that could merit punitive damages may include drunk driving or intentionally wanting to cause harm.
- Except as otherwise provided by statute, punitive damages shall not be awarded unless the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.
Recover the Compensation That You Deserve After an Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Missouri can be overwhelming, especially when damages are involved. In these situations, a Kansas City injury attorney from Miller & Hine can help you understand the full range of damages available to you and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, our Kansas City car accident attorney will explore all possible avenues to compensation and advocate for your highest possible award. Contact us today at (816) 205-8845 for a free consultation and take your first steps toward justice.