Durham Injury Compensation

Seeking Justice on Your Behalf

Seeking adequate and fair compensation as a result of a car accident can be a difficult process if you, like most people, do not have experience evaluating car accident injuries and claims. The main purpose of calculating and determining the amount of your damages is to attempt to restore you to the same position that you were in before the accident occurred.

Depending on your unique situation, you may be able to seek compensation for a variety of damages, including both special and general damages. Special damages are monetary losses that are directly related to your accident and injuries. These damages can typically be calculated to a specific amount. On the other hand, general damages are difficult to calculate and are often viewed from a subjective standpoint. Additionally, general damages are not guaranteed in every case. Our Durham attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law, and can advocate on your behalf so you receive the compensation you need to recover your damages.

Call Wallace Pierce Law today to reach one of our caring attorneys at (919) 887-7892, or contact us online.

What are Special Damages?

Special damages are calculable and quantifiable damages which you incur as a result of your automobile accident. Special damages are easily documented, proven, and calculated, yet still require detailed documentation to recover. These documented damages must be shown as reasonable and necessary and must also be related to the bodily injury you sustained in the accident.

Special damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Loss of earning capacity

To prove these kinds of damages, it is important that you keep up with all your records and receipts related to the accident.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses generally tend to be a significant portion of most personal injury claims for damages. These costs are extremely important because they are viewed as the starting point for your recovery. Medical expenses will consist of all of your medical treatment, beginning immediately after the accident and continuing into the future, if your injury requires. If you will continue to receive medically necessary treatment for your injuries into the future, or if you become partially or permanently disabled as a result of the accident, you likely have a valid argument for higher damages, which often results in a larger recovery amount.

Lost Income

Lost income is another important component of your personal injury claim. These damages include all wages and other earnings lost as a result of your accident. Calculations should begin from the date of your accident and continue until you finally return to work.

There are three general types of lost income that you may be able to claim:

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Lost opportunity

Lost wages consist of the actual time you missed from work due to the recovery time for your injuries. Lost earning capacity issues may arise if your injuries prevent you from working in the same profession as before the accident. Finally, lost opportunity may be claimed when your injury caused you to miss out on a potential business opportunity. Claims for lost income must be supported by appropriate documentation, including letters from both your employers and doctors stating which days you were out of work and the reason.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Out-of-pocket expenses usually only make up a small portion of your personal injury recovery after a car accident. However, out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial in larger claims, particularly if your recovery takes an extended amount of time. These types of expenses include costs related to your accident that you have had to pay yourself, such as prescriptions, medical aids (crutches, braces, walkers, etc.), travel, and any other costs you would not have incurred but did incur because of your injuries. To ensure you can claim out-of-pocket expenses, your receipts and other documents should be maintained or preserved.