Victims are Eligible for These Special Damages After Surviving an Accident
Surviving a car accident can leave more than just physical scars—it can lead to emotional trauma, financial instability, and a drastically altered lifestyle. While insurance may cover basic losses, many accident victims remain unaware that they may qualify for special damages beyond standard compensation. These damages are designed to address the full extent of harm suffered, including medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and emotional distress.
Understanding what you’re entitled to is crucial to ensure you’re not settling for less than you deserve. If you’re navigating the aftermath of a serious crash, it’s important to know how these special damages work and how they differ from general damages.
More importantly, you should understand the process of calculating compensation for a car accident claim, as it can significantly influence the final payout. This article outlines the special damages survivors may pursue and why seeking fair compensation is a critical step in recovery.
What Are Special Damages?
Special damages, sometimes called economic damages, are the losses you can clearly measure. These are actual costs tied to your injury. If you have receipts, bills, or paperwork showing the amount lost or spent, it likely falls under this category.
They are different from general damages, which cover emotional pain or loss of enjoyment. Special damages are specific, provable, and often the biggest part of an injury claim.
Medical Expenses
One of the most common types of special damages is medical costs. This includes:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Follow-up doctor visits
Even if you have health insurance, you may still face co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs. You can also claim future medical expenses if your treatment is ongoing.
Lost Income
When you’re injured, you may need to take time off work. Some people miss a few days, while others are out for weeks or even months. If you’ve lost income because of your accident, you can include that loss in your claim.
In more serious cases, victims may no longer be able to return to the same type of work. If your injury affects your ability to earn money long-term, you can seek damages for lost future earnings too.
Transportation and Travel Costs
Sometimes getting proper treatment means traveling to different specialists, doctors, or rehab centers. The cost of transportation—gas, parking, or even lodging for long-distance trips—can add up quickly. These are valid expenses that fall under special damages.
Cost of Home Adjustments or Medical Equipment
If your injury requires changes to your home, like adding ramps, railings, or stair lifts, those are expenses you can claim. The same goes for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or other medical devices needed during recovery.
These adjustments are often essential for safety and comfort, but they don’t come cheap.
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Help at Home
If you’re unable to do basic things like cook, clean, or care for your children while you recover, you may need to hire help. Whether it’s a part-time cleaner, a babysitter, or a caregiver, those costs can be included in your claim.
Even temporary help during recovery counts if you wouldn’t have needed it otherwise.
Keep Track, Speak Up
After an accident, every receipt matters. It’s important to keep a detailed record of all expenses linked to your injury. Without proof, it becomes harder to claim what you’re owed.
Also, don’t assume you only qualify for the obvious things like hospital bills. Many people are surprised to learn how much they can actually recover when guided by the right legal advice.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from an accident is tough—but you don’t have to carry the financial burden alone. Special damages are there to help you cover the real, day-to-day costs of getting back on your feet. The more you understand what’s available, the more confident you’ll feel when taking steps toward recovery.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and someone else was at fault, take action. Knowing what you can claim isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary.
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