What are the different types of damages in a car accident case?

In California, there are several types of damages that are often sought in a car accident case. Generally, this includes economic damages, which are damages that can be calculated in monetary terms, and non-economic damages, which are more difficult to quantify. Economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses related to the accident. These damages can be calculated by totaled medical bills, lost income, or repairing or replacing the car. Non-economic damages are more subjective and may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and other similar types of losses. These damages can be difficult to calculate, so they may be argued in trial or settled upon through negotiations between the injured party and the insurance company. Punitive damages can also be sought in some cases. These are awarded as a form of punishment for the defendant. They are typically awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior was especially negligent or egregious. Finally, a plaintiff may also seek nominal damages. These damages are usually awarded to a plaintiff to acknowledge a violation of the injured party’s rights, but the amount is usually very small, as there is no actual harm caused. In a car accident case, plaintiffs may seek any or all of these types of damages to seek compensation for their losses. It is important to understand each type of damage in order to determine what is necessary to bring a successful claim.

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