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

In a car accident case in Hawaii, the different types of damages that may be pursued in court are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the monetary losses suffered due to the accident. This includes medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and lost earning capacity if the accident resulted in an inability to work. Non-economic damages are the intangible losses suffered due to the accident, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are more difficult to quantify as their value is determined by a jury based on the evidence presented. Other damages that may be pursued in a car accident case include punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages. Punitive damages are rare but can be awarded to punish a defendant for malicious or grossly negligent behavior that caused the accident. In Hawaii, punitive damages are limited to the greater of $50,000 or three times the amount of economic and non-economic damages awarded. Finally, if the accident was caused by a third party such as a mechanic who negligently installed faulty brakes, you may be able to file a claim for Vicarious Liability. This means that the third party’s employer may be held liable for the damages caused by the employee’s negligence. In summary, the different types of damages that can be recovered in a car accident case in Hawaii include economic, non-economic, punitive, and vicarious liability damages.

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

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