Accident settlements should contain the right elements. Many accident victims are unsure of what they deserve after being hurt in a car crash. The information below should provide you with an idea of what most car accident settlements include. Read on and learn more. 

What a Car Accident Settlement Should Include

An adequate vehicle accident settlement should cover all the damages and losses that a victim has suffered as a result of the accident. These damages may be economic or non-economic and can include:

1. Medical expenses: This includes any costs related to medical treatment, such as hospital bills, doctor's visits, medication, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
2. Lost wages: If the victim was unable to work due to the accident, the settlement should include compensation for lost wages and any future lost income.
3. Property damage: If the victim's vehicle was damaged in the accident, the settlement should cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
4. Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and any loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident.
5. Loss of consortium: If the victim's spouse or family members were impacted by the accident, the settlement may include compensation for their loss of consortium or companionship. Loss of consortium is a legal term used to describe the loss of love, companionship, support, or intimacy that a spouse or family member experiences because of another person's injury or death. In the context of a car accident case, loss of consortium refers to the impact that the accident has had on the victim's spouse or family members. For example, if a person is seriously injured in a car accident and is unable to provide emotional support or physical care for their spouse or children, their family members may experience a loss of consortium. Similarly, if a person is killed in a car accident, their spouse or family members may experience a loss of love, companionship, and support.
6. Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior, such as drunk driving or reckless behavior.

The amount of compensation awarded in a settlement will depend on the severity of the injuries and the extent of the damages suffered. It's important to consult with a car accident attorney to assess the value of your case and negotiate a settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses. For more info, contact a local company like Cartee & Lloyd Attorneys At Law.