Car accident cases can involve differing degrees of severity. Some result in nothing more than minor property damage while others leave a victim with crippling injuries. If you have been in an accident, then the nature and extent of your injuries will, in part, determine the amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This article will discuss the different types of injuries that can result from an accident as well as how damages are calculated in California.

Car Accidents Can Result in a Range of Injuries

The degree of injury suffered in a car accident can cover a broad spectrum. Examples of such injuries include:

• Soft-tissue damage or broken bones – Soft-tissue damage can involve bruising or swelling and is generally not considered serious. One does still experience pain and suffering as a result of such harm. Broken bones are more severe and require greater recovery but often do not leave lasting damage.
• Paralysis – Damage to the neck, spine, and nerve centers can result in partial or even total paralysis. Some cases involve situations where the Plaintiff has suffered permanent harm which will not heal or otherwise be reversed. In other, more fortunate situations, an individual may make a partial or even full recovery.
• Head injuries – A blow to the head can result in harm ranging from a concussion to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of the former can include fogginess, blurred vision, slurred speech, headaches, etc. Symptoms of the latter can be debilitating for life and can include a loss of motor functions and more.
• Wrongful death – The most extreme results of a car accident can involve the wrongful death of a victim. In such situations the surviving loved ones may recover compensation for the pain and suffering which the deceased endured, the projected earnings which have been lost, as well as compensation for the loss of companionship, emotional distress, etc.

Calculating Damages After a Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, as well as your past and future pain and suffering. Your award will be reduced by your share (if any) of fault for the accident. California is a pure comparative fault state, which means that you will be entitled to compensation regardless of your share of the blame and your compensation will be reduced accordingly.

The foregoing is best explained through examples. Suppose Joe is rear-ended by another car and suffers $100,000 in damages. The jury determined that Joe’s brake lights were out, which contributed to the accident, and that the other driver was following too closely. The jury finds that Joe is 60% responsible for the accident. Joe will receive $40,000 ($100,000 – 60% fault). It is important to remember that how a jury will rule in any given situation will always depend on the facts of the case.

Contact Our San Luis Obispo Car Accident Attorney

If you have been in a wreck, it is important to contact a lawyer regardless of your level of injuries or whether you were partially at fault. It is not uncommon for one’s injuries to be more severe than they initially believed. Also, California’s pure comparative fault system is highly favorable to Plaintiffs. Our office is founded on the idea that everyone is entitled to quality representation. Contact us online or at 805-546-8797 to speak with a San Luis Obispo car accident attorney.