Vehicle accidents can take a toll on victims, including a financial toll if they lose their transportation, require medical attention for injuries, or suffer injuries that keep them from working. Medical expenses, lost wages and even loss of affection are all claims that victims of vehicle accidents can recover. Contact a Detroit car accident lawyer for more information about what compensation you deserve as an accident victim.

Here are some basic claims that car accident victims can seek.

Medical Expenses

One of the biggest expenses victims of car accidents face is paying medical bills. It could be an emergency room visit for cuts and bruises or hospitalization for more serious injuries. Claimed medical expenses can include:

• Ambulance fees
• Doctor visits and consultations
• Hospital admissions
• Physical therapy
• Medical accessories, like crutches

An experienced vehicle accident lawyer can help calculate short- and long-term medical costs.

Wrongful death

Surviving relatives of an automobile accident victim killed in the incident can file a wrongful death claim against the responsible driver. The claim also can include all medical expenses for treatment after the accident and before the victim’s death.

Pain and Suffering

Accident victims can claim pain and suffering damages for mental or physical distress, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the accident. Pain and suffering can vary based on the extent of injuries and may also cover future pain that may stem from the injury. An experienced accident lawyer knows the pain and suffering damages allowed in your state.

Lost Wages

A vehicle accident also can impact a victim’s ability to work, after the accident and in the future. Physical injuries may limit a victim’s ability to do their job, while medical treatment and ongoing therapy may prevent a victim from working. An experienced car accident lawyer can establish how the injuries have impacted a victim’s ability to work and their ability to earn a paycheck in future years. A jury considers a number of factors in such cases, including a victim’s:

• Age
• Occupation
• Skill level
• Experience
• Life expectancy

Loss of Affection

Another claim from an accident can be filed by the partner of a victim who argues they have been deprived of affection, including sex. This is known as “loss of consortium” and represents a loss of intimacy because of the accident’s effect on the victim. If a victim dies in an accident, relatives can claim their own loss of companionship.

Punitive Damages

Some states allow car accident victims to claim punitive damages if gross negligence or intentional misconduct can be proven. These damages are meant to punish the person responsible for the accident for their negligent or intentional behavior, which can include texting while driving, driving under the influence, or reckless driving.

Property Damages

Accident victims also can claim the financial loss of damaged property, which can include the victim’s vehicle. While many insurance companies will attempt to settle property damages with the vehicle, an experienced lawyer can assess the appropriate compensation for property loss.