It’s a common misconception that you need to be injured to pursue a lawsuit after a car accident. While injury is a straightforward and obvious basis for a case, it’s possible that you may have a right to sue after a car accident even if you were not hurt. Learn more about your options in this scenario.
How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident?
The amount that you can sue for after a car accident is widely dependent on the specific circumstances of the accident. These amounts can range based on the severity of damage, if criminal activity was involved, and other factors. These are examples of compensation a lawyer may pursue following an accident:
- Compensation for property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Compensation for lost wages if the accident caused you to miss work.
- Compensation for emotional or psychological distress caused by the accident.
- Compensation for punitive damages if the at-fault driver is unreasonably reckless.
The total amount will vary based on the specifics of your case. It is important to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help you understand your options. They may urge you to seek compensation based on the extent of the damage, the impact on your daily life, and whether the other driver’s actions were especially negligent.
Can You Sue for Negligence Without Injury?
Negligence claims are not made solely based on injuries. It is possible to pursue a case for other reasons even if you weren’t injured. For example, a drunk driver or distracted driver can damage your car without causing physical injuries. In this case, a lawyer will help you hold the driver responsible for their negligent behavior.
If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, you may have grounds to sue for the cost of repairs or replacement.
If you have expenses related to the accident and experienced economic loss, such as towing fees, rental car costs, etc., you may have the grounds to sue for your financial losses.
If you experienced emotional distress or a loss of quality of life, you may also have grounds to sue for non-economic damages. While this is less common in claims that don’t involve a physical injury, it doesn’t hurt to take advantage of a free consultation to explore your options.
Proving negligence involves demonstrating that the other driver breached their duty of care and that it directly led to your losses and harm. As you can see, there may be several circumstances where it may be appropriate to sue for negligence, even if you are not physically injured.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Even if you’re not injured, it’s important to follow specific steps after an accident to protect your rights and potentially build a strong case. We encourage those involved in car accidents to:
- Ensure the safety of everyone involved by moving to a safe location, if possible, and checking to see if anyone else needs assistance.
- Get in contact with local law enforcement, who will write up a police report that can be valuable for your insurance claim and any potential lawsuit.
- Exchange information with the other party and get contact and insurance details from other drivers involved.
- Document the scene if it is safe to do so. Taking pictures of any relevant signs, road conditions, or vehicle damage can be helpful later on.
- Seek medical attention even if you do not feel injured. This can rule out any underlying issues.
- Report the accident to your insurance company to start the claims process.
- Get in touch with an attorney if you believe you have a case for negligence. Speaking with a legal expert can help you navigate the complexities of a case.
Car accident claims are our area of expertise. Learn more about the aftermath of an accident and how to best protect yourself by reading about mistakes to avoid after a car accident and how to file a claim for your accident.
DM Injury Law Fights for the Rights of Car Accident Victims
When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, especially if you’re considering a lawsuit, it’s best to have a skilled legal team on your side. We’re known for making a difference for victims of car accidents and have represented a variety of cases.
Our goal is to focus on ensuring you receive fair compensation for your loss and can guide you through the entire process, from investigation to litigation if needed. Reach out to our team for a free consultation and learn more about your options.