Following a pedestrian accident in California, you may be able to receive several types of compensation, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Every pedestrian accident is different, which means that the specific damages available vary from case to case.
The best way to identify all the damages that apply to your situation is by hiring an experienced Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyer. Your attorney can review the details of your case and advise you about which damages you are eligible to pursue.
Economic Damages Available After a Pedestrian Accident
Following a pedestrian accident in California, you will likely be able to pursue a wide range of economic damages. Economic damages cover all of the direct financial losses associated with your accident.
These damages can be awarded for both the money you were compelled to spend and the income you were prevented from earning as a result of your accident. Additionally, these damages are not limited to your current costs, but can be awarded to cover projected future losses as well.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity
If you suffer injuries as a result of your pedestrian accident that cause you to miss time from work, you may be able to recover compensation that replaces any lost earnings. In addition to your regular pay, this can also cover any bonuses or other benefits you would have received had you been able to work.
For those who suffer permanent injuries that prevent them from returning to their old job or make it impossible to work in any profession, diminished earning capacity damages may be available. These damages can be substantial as they cover the income you likely would have earned over the course of your life had you not been injured.
Diminished earning capacity benefits are based on your current employment and education, and your likely career trajectory.
Medical Expenses
You can also pursue compensation for any medical expenses you incur as a result of your pedestrian accident. These damages can cover medical consultations, diagnostic testing, treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical costs you face.
Compensation for medical expenses is not limited to your current medical bills but can cover any future treatment you are expected to need.
Property Damage
If you had any personal property on your person, such as a smartphone, that was damaged in the accident, you can pursue compensation to repair or replace the damaged items.
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Non-Economic Damages You Can Pursue
There are a variety of non-economic damages that will also likely apply. These damages don’t focus on the financial losses you incurred. Instead, non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the impact your accident had on your quality of life.
Since these losses tend to be profound and can never truly be replaced, the money awarded for these damages is often substantial. Identifying all the non-economic damages that apply is critical for securing fair compensation.
Pain and Suffering, Mental Anguish, and Emotional Distress
A pedestrian accident can result in lasting physical, mental, and emotional pain that may never fully go away. From the trauma of the accident itself to the manner in which it affects your life, it can be hard to move on after suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident.
While no amount of money can truly fix these problems, recovering compensation for your losses can both help you afford any counseling you need as well as reduce any financial burdens you may face, relieving stress in at least one area of your life.
Permanent Disability, Scarring, and Disfigurement
If your accident leaves you permanently disabled, you may be left unable to enjoy some of your favorite activities. Additionally, if you suffered any scarring or disfigurement, it can impact your relationships as well as your confidence.
Compensation for these losses can help you afford special equipment to allow you to continue carrying out certain activities, as well as finding new hobbies you may not have had the money for in the past.
The money you receive can also be used to help you pay for treatment to reduce scarring or supplement your wardrobe to give you confidence in your appearance through other means.
Loss of Consortium or Companionship
If an injury suffered in an accident leaves you unable to connect intimately with your partner or otherwise affects your relationships with loved ones, you can pursue compensation for these losses.
While there may be no way to remedy certain problems, this compensation may support efforts to reconnect with those you love.
Punitive Damages May Also Be Available
It’s important to note that punitive damages are only available in a small percentage of pedestrian accident cases. These damages are reserved for accidents caused by criminal negligence or the intentional actions of a party wishing to cause harm.
Rather than compensate you for the losses you incurred as a result of your accident, the focus of punitive damages is on punishing the liable party for their actions or inaction and discouraging similar behavior in the future.
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Secure Fair Compensation With the Help of an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
There are a variety of other types of compensation that you may also be eligible to receive after a pedestrian accident in California. At Vaziri Law Group, we can help identify all the damages that apply. We limit the number of cases we handle so we can give every client the full attention they deserve and help ensure they recover every available type of compensation.
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients and a history of success taking on big defense firms in the courtroom, we have built a network of other law firms and doctors who refer clients to us if their cases are likely to go to court. We employ the latest technology when appropriate to help with our clients’ cases, giving us a leg up on firms unwilling to adapt.
Our team puts our clients first in everything we do and is committed to representing people from all backgrounds with a multi-lingual team of lawyers from various communities.
Contact us today to schedule your free case review. Our team includes lawyers who have worked for defense firms and insurers, so we know how these cases are handled from every angle.
