What Are Damages? Getting Paid After A Dallas Car Accident.
Sustaining an injury because of someone else’s mistake can be really overwhelming. Of course, making sure you receive the necessary medical attention is crucial, but you may also be thinking about how you will be reimbursed for your injuries. Typically, the responsible party’s insurance company will cover most personal injury claims, often through their car or homeowners’ insurance policy.
Let’s Talk Damages
To put it simply, damages refer to the harm or losses that are inflicted upon you by someone else. These damages are meant to compensate for the injuries you have suffered due to someone’s carelessness or failure to act. In the state of Idaho, damages can be broadly classified into two categories: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages aim to reimburse you for the actual harm you have endured, while punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party for their actions.
Compensatory damages refer to the financial compensation you receive for the harm caused by another person. These damages are divided into two categories: economic damages, which are also known as special damages, and noneconomic damages, which are also known as general damages.
Punitive damages are given in specific situations to penalize the person who did wrong and discourage others from behaving similarly.
Economic damages refer to the financial losses you incur as a result of an accident. These can include medical bills, lost wages, expenses for medical equipment, car repair costs, and property damage. Attorney Brian Brunson will carefully assess various factors such as past and future medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, future earning potential, job opportunities, and access to the labor market when evaluating your case.
Non-economic damages, commonly referred to as general damages, are more challenging to calculate. These are the abstract losses you have experienced. They can be summarized by taking into account everything you had to endure or will have to endure in the future due to your injury. General damages may encompass pain and suffering, the circumstances of the injury, whether the injury resulted in disfigurement or permanent disability, loss of quality of life during recovery, and future implications of how the injury will impact you.
How do settlements work?
Typically, before taking legal action against the responsible party’s insurance company, the majority of personal injury claims are settled. In this process, your attorney will compile a demand package and engage in negotiations with the insurance company to reach a settlement for your injuries. The demand package usually consists of your medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and any damages to your property that have not been adequately compensated for. Once you come to an agreement on the settlement amount, you will typically receive the money all at once, which is known as a lump sum payment. However, there are situations where a structured settlement may be more suitable.
How does my attorney get paid?
Your lawyer will determine their fees and any outstanding payments to others before you get your final settlement check. At the Law Office of Brian Brunson, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we receive a portion of your settlement. This percentage is typically 33%, but it could vary based on your circumstances.
Before you sign a release, we will give you a thorough breakdown of your settlement. It would be best if this happens when the insurance company sends you their initial response to your demand. Once you have reached an agreement on the settlement, we will ask you to sign an agreement to release any claims and then distribute the settlement funds to you and anyone else who is included in the settlement which could include medical providers, etc.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.