You can recover damages for emotional distress after a car accident. Like many other states, Maryland recognizes fault-based car insurance laws. This means victims hold the at-fault driver accountable and can recover a wide range of damage by negotiating a settlement or suing the other driver and taking the case to trial.
Work with a Baltimore car accident lawyer to ensure you accurately value your full range of expenses and losses and seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Most provide free consultations and represent clients based on contingency.
You Can Seek Money for Emotional Distress and Other Intangible Losses
Car accident claims allow victims to seek compensation for intangible losses along with economic damages. Also known as “non-economic damages,” these losses include a wide range of emotional, mental, and psychological damages. Examples include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Limited activities, mobility, or independence
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Recovering damages for emotional distress after a car accident is complex because you must demonstrate some physical manifestation of your distress. Our team can help you show this.
It is also important to know that Maryland does cap non-economic damages under some circumstances. You will want to work with your Baltimore personal injury lawyer to ensure you seek the full value of your case when possible based on the state’s laws.
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(888) 585-2188
What Other Types of Damages Are Available After a Car Accident?
The money you can recover following a collision depends on numerous factors. First and foremost is the type and severity of your injuries. In Maryland and other states that follow fault-based rules, any victim can hold the negligent driver accountable and seek compensation.
Other factors include the strength of the case against the liable party and if you have lasting impairments because of your injuries.
The value of your financial recovery will depend heavily on the expenses and losses you incurred and will continue to face in the future. Recoverable damages include:
- Medical Care Costs: Current and future treatment, care, support, and rehabilitation costs
- Income Losses: Income replacement for time away from work and diminished earning ability if you cannot return to your job due to new impairments
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle and other personal property
- Related Expenses: Travel costs for care, replacement services, modifications to your home, and other documented expenses due to the accident and injuries
- Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, and other intangible losses
It can be difficult to know how much your car accident case is worth. Negotiating a fair settlement requires you to have a good idea of your expenses and losses. However, this is challenging or impossible for those who have future care and support needs and intangible damages, including emotional distress.
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer is the best way to understand your recoverable damages and what compensation could look like in your case.
How Can a Car Accident Victim Pursue Compensation for Emotional Distress?
In general, car accident cases are most commonly settled outside of court. The victim and the insurance carrier reach a negotiated agreement for a payout. However, some cases are more complex. There could be disputed fault, lowball offers, and other issues. When this happens, it may not be as easy to close the case.
The two primary ways our attorneys win compensation for clients include:
Settling the Case
When attorneys settle a car accident case, they determine how much the victim’s economic and non-economic losses might be worth and pursue a fair payout based on those costs. This includes fair compensation for emotional distress based on their experience with similar cases and other factors, such as the severity of injuries and whether there are lasting disabilities.
Suing the At-Fault Driver and Taking the Case to Trial
Sometimes, your lawyer might recommend taking a case to trial. There are several reasons why this could occur. The insurance company might dispute liability or refuse to pay fairly, for example.
When a case goes to trial, your attorney will present a strong case to the judge and jury to show why you deserve compensation for your full range of injuries, expenses, and losses.
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What Is the Role of an Attorney in Recovering Emotional Distress After a Crash?
When you hire a lawyer to handle your car accident case and recover money for your injuries, damages, and emotional distress, the lawyer will take certain steps to represent you. This includes:
- Protecting Your Rights: They ensure the insurance company will not take advantage of you or pay less than you deserve.
- Managing Case Communication: Your lawyer will provide regular updates, answer your questions, and take all calls from the insurance company.
- Building a Compelling Case: Our attorneys know how to build a convincing case to recover fair compensation, whether through a settlement or at trial.
- Investigating and Gather Evidence: Your lawyer will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and identify the liable party.
- Negotiating or Litigating: To close your case, your attorney will negotiate a fair settlement or file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Throughout this process, they will represent you and your best interests.
Car accident attorneys usually work based on contingency. You should not need to pay your lawyer upfront before they begin building your case. Their fees and costs will come from the money they recover for you, never from your own pocket.
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Talk to Our Car Accident Attorneys About Your Legal Case Today
Jenner Law provides free consultations for victims and their families. If you suffered injuries and emotional distress because of a car accident, our attorneys are here for you. We can review the facts of your case and offer advice and guidance. Let us handle your claim and seek compensation for you.
Contact us to learn more today. We have someone to take your call now.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form