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Cayce, SC Car Accident Lawyer
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    Cayce, SC Car Accident Lawyer

    In Cayce, most people drive around every day without any major issues. However, there are times when unexpected events occur because of another person’s negligence.

    When tragedy occurs on account of another, you are entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Our experienced team is here to help you pursue the damages you deserve for the harm you have experienced. We know that injuries from a car accident can completely disrupt your life, which is why we are here to provide you with the support you need to move forward with your life. We can evaluate your claim so that every expense is accounted for and pursue it with the zeal our firm is known for.

    For a free case assessment with our car accident lawyers, contact Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000.

    Damages You Might Be Entitled to in a Cayce, SC Car Accident Claim

    Compensation in a car accident case is intended to make you whole again, or at least as close as possible to your pre-accident state. That means accounting for not only your economic losses but also your non-economic harm. Our car accident attorneys have years of experience evaluating cases and can put that knowledge to use in your case. The following are damages you can claim from the negligent party in a lawsuit:

    Economic Damages

    When someone is injured in a car accident, the bulk of their claim will deal with the economic damages the victim has suffered. These damages are intended to compensate the victim for the financial losses they incurred from the accident. Economic damages are tangible and quantifiable costs that can be calculated and documented.

    One of the primary components of economic damages is medical expenses. This includes all costs related to the medical care the victim receives because of the accident, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical expenses if ongoing care is required.

    Another component of economic damages is lost wages. If the victim’s injury forces them to take time off work, they might be compensated for their lost income during that period. If the injury affects the victim’s ability to earn in the future, they can also claim for loss of earning capacity.

    Lastly, property damage is also included in economic damages. If the victim’s vehicle or other personal belongings were damaged in the accident, the cost of repair or replacement is included. This can encompass various types of damage, such as structural damage, cosmetic damage, or any other type of damage that occurred because of the accident.

    Non-Economic Damages

    While economic damages cover the financial losses suffered by the victim, non-economic damages compensate for the intangible or non-financial impacts of the accident. These damages are subjective and often harder to quantify than economic damages.

    One common type of non-economic damages is pain and suffering. This includes the physical pain and discomfort that a victim experiences during and after the accident. It can also include emotional pain, such as the trauma of the accident itself, as well as the pain that comes with the recovery process.

    Another type of non-economic damages is compensation for emotional distress. Accidents can have serious psychological impacts on victims, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These are all valid reasons for seeking compensation for emotional distress, as it aims to acknowledge the impact the accident has had on the victim’s mental health.

    Loss of enjoyment of life is another type of non-economic damages that victims might be awarded. If the injuries sustained in the accident prevent the victim from enjoying activities and hobbies they once loved, they might be compensated for this loss. This can include anything from being unable to participate in sports or hobbies to being unable to enjoy social activities with friends and family.

    Lastly, there is loss of consortium, which refers to the negative effects an accident can have on a victim’s relationship with their spouse or family. This can include loss of companionship and affection and the inability to engage in intimate activities.

    Punitive Damages

    In Cayce, punitive damages serve a specific purpose. Unlike the compensatory damages above, which aim to reimburse the victim for their losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages can be awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were willful, reckless, or malicious.

    Examples of such actions might include intentionally causing harm, recklessly disregarding the safety of others, or acting with a conscious disregard for the rights or well-being of others. However, punitive damages are not common and are typically only awarded in cases involving extreme wrongdoing.

    The amount of punitive damages awarded varies depending on the severity of the defendant’s conduct and the resulting harm caused to the victim. In some cases, the amount of punitive damages awarded might be significantly higher than that of compensatory damages.

    How Damages from a Car Accident Case Are Calculated in Cayce, SC

    Calculating damages in a Cayce car accident case is a complex process typically involving various factors. The “per diem” and multiplier approaches offer structured ways to quantify non-economic damages like pain and suffering, as well as the others mentioned above. By understanding these methods, you can gain a clearer picture of what your claim might be worth:

    The “Per Diem” Approach

    The “per diem,” Latin for “per day,” is a common method for calculating non-economic damages. The idea is to assign a certain dollar amount for each day you have had to live with the pain and discomfort caused by your injuries from the accident.

    For example, if you were in significant pain for 100 days following the accident, and a daily rate of $100 was chosen, you would be entitled to $10,000 for pain and suffering under the per diem method. The daily rate can be determined in several ways, but it is usually based on your actual daily earnings.

    The Multiplier Approach

    The multiplier approach is another method used to calculate non-economic damages. With this approach, the total economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, are added and multiplied by a certain number. This number is typically between 1.5 and 5 and determines the value of non-economic damages.

    The specific multiplier used depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, any long-term effects of your injuries, and how your injuries have impacted your daily life. For example, if your economic damages totaled $20,000 and a multiplier of 3 was chosen based on the severity of your injuries, you would be entitled to $60,000 for pain and suffering.

    Our Cayce, SC Car Accident Lawyers Can Provide Critical Legal Support During Your Time in Need

    Call our car accident attorneys at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free review of your case.