If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and you believe that someone else was to blame, you could be eligible for many different types of compensation. If you sue for damages, your awards should help you cover all sorts of expenses stemming from this crash. A Prince George’s County auto accident lawyer can help you fight for the kind of settlement that you deserve.
What Kind of Compensation Can Be Awarded After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
When you win damages in a motor vehicle accident, they are broken up into two general categories. First you have economic damages, meant to reimburse you for some of the obvious costs of the accident. These can compensate you for things like:
- Property damage
- Past and future medical care
- Lost wages and earning potential
Then there are non-economic damages. These can address the effects of an accident that are harder to assign a dollar value to. They can help make up for things like:
- Psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
- Any other pain and suffering
Some plaintiffs are also awarded punitive damages, but this is a rarity. These damages are only awarded when the defendant has behaved in a way that is particularly offensive or egregious. Someone who made a mistake and caused an accident is unlikely to be forced to pay punitive damages. A defendant who was drunk and driving aggressively at the time of the crash might be hit with a verdict that includes punitive damages.
Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. all have their own rules about punitive damages. Your lawyer can tell you if they are an option in your case and how much you could be awarded.
How Long Do I Have to Sue After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Most of the time, motor vehicle accident victims in Maryland and Washington, D.C. have three years to sue for damages. The statute of limitations is shorter in Virginia, lasting two years. This can seem like a lot of time, but you do not want to end up in a situation where you sue and your case gets thrown out because you waited too long. We recommend taking legal action as soon as you can.
What Kind of Evidence Can Help With My Case?
One thing your attorney can help you with is gathering evidence. It can be easier to fight for damages if you have things like:
- Surveillance footage
- Witness testimony
- Pictures of the car and accident scene
- Medical records
- Testimonies from medical professionals, accident recreation experts, and other experts
- Police reports
Talk to Our Legal Team
So if you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident and you’re ready to sue for damages, contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. to set up your free consultation. We can tell you more about what our team can do to assist you.
