What Damages Are Available in Car Accident Cases in Utah?

When you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, the physical pain is not the only thing you have to deal with. You will also need to face the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Reach out to our car accident lawyers in St. George for assistance. 

This situation can feel overwhelming, but you have options for legal action available to you. Under Utah law, you may be entitled to various types of damages that can help you get back on your feet. 

Past and Future Medical Expenses

In a car accident claim, medical expenses often make up a large portion of the final settlement or verdict. You can recover compensation to help pay for any treatment costs you have already incurred, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Your award will also cover future medical expenses that you may need to pay for ongoing treatment, therapy, or care related to your injuries.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Potential

If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the wages you have lost. This includes not only the time you have already taken off but also any future time you may need to recover fully. In some cases, your injuries may be so severe that they impact your ability to return to your previous job or earn the same level of income. In these situations, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your future earning potential.

Repairs and Replacements for Property Damage

In addition to physical injuries, car accidents often result in significant damage to your vehicle and other personal property. You can seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property, including your car, phone, laptop, or any other items that were in your vehicle at the time of the crash.

Physical and Emotional Pain and Suffering 

Not all damages in a car accident case are purely financial—you can also seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress. This includes the discomfort and suffering you have endured, as well as any ongoing pain or limitations you may face in the future. Your award also covers the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Note that these damages aren’t geared towards cars but any type of automobile collisions such as motorcycle accidents and truck accidents.

Punitive Damages in Extreme Cases

In rare cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, you may be able to seek punitive damages in addition to your other compensation. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. 

However, these damages are only awarded in extreme cases where the driver displayed willful and malicious or intentionally fraudulent conduct or conduct that manifests a knowing and reckless indifference toward, and a disregard of, the rights of others. Accidents involving drunk driving or road rage often qualify for punitive damages.

Recover the Full Compensation You Deserve

You deserve fair compensation for every way your accident has impacted your life. Without legal representation, however, you risk leaving money on the table. A St. George injury lawyer can help you calculate the full value of your settlement and fight for the highest possible award.

At We Win Injury Law, we dig deep to uncover all potential damages in your case, from obvious costs like medical bills to often-overlooked impacts like future earning capacity and long-term care. Contact us at (435) 688-9558 for a free case evaluation to understand the true value of your claim.