Car accidents can be life-changing, not just because of physical injuries or financial losses, but also because of the emotional and mental impact they leave behind.
In Texas, victims of car accidents can claim compensation not only for medical bills and lost wages but also for non-economic losses. These losses include pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, consulting a San Angelo car accident lawyer is the best thing to do. This professional can help you understand your legal rights and maximize your compensation.
In this blog, we will discuss the non-economic damages Texans can claim after a car accident and how they can help bring justice to victims.
What Are Non-Economic Losses?
Non-economic losses refer to damages that do not have a direct financial cost but still affect a person’s well-being. Unlike medical expenses or lost wages, these losses are harder to calculate because they do not come with receipts or bills. However, they are just as important in a car accident claim.
Texas law allows accident victims to recover non-economic damages to compensate for the suffering they experience due to the crash.
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Types of Non-Economic Losses You Can Recover
Here are some common non-economic losses that Texans can claim in a car accident case:
1. Pain and Suffering
One of the most common non-economic damages in a car accident claim is pain and suffering. This includes the physical pain a person goes through due to their injuries. If an accident causes long-term or permanent pain, the compensation may be higher.
2. Emotional Distress
A car accident can lead to emotional and psychological trauma. Many victims suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident. If a person develops a fear of driving or experiences nightmares, they can seek compensation for emotional distress.
3. Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Some injuries can stop a person from enjoying activities they once loved. Whether it’s sports, hobbies, or socializing, the inability to participate in these activities due to an accident can be devastating. Victims can claim compensation for their reduced quality of life.
4. Disfigurement and Scarring
If an accident leaves a person with scars, burns, or permanent disfigurement, they may be entitled to compensation. Such injuries can affect a person’s self-confidence and social interactions.
5. Loss of Consortium
The victim’s spouse or family members may also suffer due to the accident. In Texas, a spouse can claim damages for the loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy if the victim is unable to provide them due to the accident.
6. Mental Anguish
Serious accidents can leave a person in constant fear, stress, or grief. If the accident resulted in the loss of a loved one or caused severe injuries, the victim may experience long-term mental anguish, which is eligible for compensation.
How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated?
Unlike economic damages, which have a clear cost, non-economic damages are subjective and vary from case to case. Texas courts consider several factors, including:
- The severity of injuries
- The impact on daily life
- The level of emotional distress
- The duration of pain and suffering
In some cases, lawyers use a multiplier method, where the total economic damages (like medical bills) are multiplied by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) to determine non-economic damages.
Is There a Limit to Non-Economic Damages in Texas?
For most personal injury cases, there is no cap on non-economic damages in Texas. However, in medical malpractice cases, Texas law limits non-economic damages to $250,000 per defendant. If the case involves a government entity, there may also be limits on how much compensation can be claimed.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Can Help
Since non-economic damages are hard to quantify, insurance companies may try to offer less compensation than what a victim truly deserves. An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Present a strong case in court if necessary
If you or a loved one has suffered non-economic losses in a car accident, consulting a lawyer can help ensure you get the fair compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Car accidents in Texas can leave victims with more than just medical bills and lost wages. The emotional, physical, and mental toll can be just as serious. By understanding non-economic damages, Texans can seek justice and compensation for their pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
If you have been in an accident, don’t overlook these losses—because they matter just as much as financial damages.
