Types of Damages You Can Be Liable for in a Car Accident

Car accident damages can be considerable. If you are the one to blame for the accident, you would have a legal obligation to pay the other driver for all the effects they have suffered. Not only would they have sustained economic losses, but the other driver could also be dealing with the impacts that the accident had on their life. You should always contact an attorney after you have been involved in a car accident with any injuries involved.

The Driver Who Was to Blame Must Pay the Other Motorist

Once the insurance companies assign liability for the accident, the responsible driver takes on the obligation to fully compensate the other motorists whom they injured. In all likelihood, the claim would be paid through the insurance company. When the driver has coverage, the insurance company will pay out for the claim up to the amount of the policy limit. Theoretically, the responsible driver would be obligated to pay any excess damages in the form of a personal injury judgment. However, personal injury judgments are notoriously difficult to collect.

What Are Economic Damages in a Car Accident?

The first major category of damages that you owe relates to the economic losses that the other driver has suffered. If they have been injured, they would need medical treatment. You would be obligated to pay for both their past expenses that the health insurance company may have covered and their future medical bills. In addition, you would also be responsible for paying the property damage to the other driver’s vehicle.

What Are Car Accident Non-Economic Damages?

In addition, you would have to pay for the other driver’s non-economic damages. Physical injuries can impose a number of effects on the life of the other driver.

Obviously, they would be in physical pain from their injuries. There are a number of other potential impacts of car accident injuries. For example, the other driver may be dealing with depression and anxiety on account of their physical injuries. They may not be able to enjoy the life that they had before the accident. They may even be suffering from emotional distress from both the car accident itself and the aftermath.

Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

As you can see, car accident damages can be considerable. If you are the one who has been injured by the actions of another driver, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. If you have been judged to be blamed for the accident, there could be definite financial impacts on you. Obviously, your car insurance rates would increase if your own insurance company had to pay out a substantial amount for the damages. Then, you may be obligated to pay a judgment to the other driver if you lose your case at trial and the damages are more than your insurance company will cover.

If liability is a close call in your car accident, you need an experienced car accident attorney to handle your case. There are some car accident claims where liability hangs in the balance, and either driver can be determined to be the one who was at fault. If the other driver was to blame for the accident, it would be the worst possible outcome for you to be found liable. Not only would you not be able to receive any financial compensation, but you could also be personally liable for the other driver’s damages. A car accident lawyer can gather evidence that proves your side of the story when you are trying to obtain compensation from the other driver.

Contact a Somerset County Car Accident Lawyer at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. in the Aftermath of Your Accident

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash, a Somerset County car accident lawyer at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. can wage a vigorous legal battle on your behalf. Call 732-247-3600 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.