Auto Accident

What Damages Can Be Recovered after an Auto Accident in LA

High speed car race competition accident, car mounts over another.

Each year, California has approximately 200,000 injuries caused by auto accidents. And each car accident in Los Angeles has life-changing consequences and even long-term complications.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, even if you don't think you've been seriously injured. Many injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.

Once you have sought medical attention, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your legal options. The attorney can help you navigate the often complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Damages in a Car Accident

Car accidents can be extremely costly, both financially and emotionally. If you've been in a car accident, you may be wondering what kind of damages you can claim.

There are two main types of damage in a car accident: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages have a specific monetary value, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are those that do not have a specific monetary value, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In most states, you can claim economic and non-economic damages if you've been in a car accident. However, there are some states that have limits on the amount of non-economic damages you can recover.

If you've been in a car accident, you must speak to an experienced car accident attorney to find out what damages you may be entitled to.

How to Handle Property Damage Claims in California

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may wonder how to handle California property damage claims. Depending on the accident's severity, there may be a lot of damage to your vehicle. If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairs. However, if you only have liability insurance, you may be responsible for paying for repairs yourself.

If the damage to your vehicle is significant, you may want to file a claim with your insurance company. To do this, you will need to provide them with a detailed damage estimate. Once you have filed a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the cost of repairs.

If you are unhappy with the estimate your insurance company provides, you can negotiate with them. It is essential to keep in mind that your insurance company is not required to pay more than the actual value of your vehicle.

Apart from your vehicle damage, you may have experienced physical injuries due to the accident. If you have been injured, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is essential to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the property damage and personal injury claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Other Vehicle Damages You Can Claim

There are a few different types of vehicle damage that you can claim on your insurance policy.

Total Loss

A total loss occurs when your vehicle is so damaged in an accident that it is not economical to repair. In this case, your insurance company will pay you the market value of your vehicle minus any deductibles.

Actual Loss and Actual Use

Car insurance has two types of loss: actual loss and actual use. Actual loss is when your car is so damaged in an accident that it is not economical to repair. In this case, your insurance company will pay you the market value of your vehicle minus any deductibles. 

Actual use is when your car is not damaged in an accident, but you still have to pay for repairs. In this case, your insurance company will pay you the cost of repairs minus any deductibles.

Damages against Defendant

When you are in an accident, you may be able to file a claim for damages against the other driver. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company might be required to pay for your damages. The number of damages you can recover will depend on the severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries. 

You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you might be able to recover damages from your own insurance company.

Personal Injury Accidents: No First Party Claim for Diminution of Value

When you are in an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your insurance will cover the cost of repairs. Unfortunately, many insurance companies will not pay for repairs if a personal injury causes the damage. This means that if you are in an accident and suffer a personal injury, you may be responsible for the cost of repairs to your vehicle.

There are a few ways to avoid this problem. First, you can purchase insurance that covers personal injury. This type of insurance is known as first-party insurance. Second, you can purchase insurance that covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle regardless of who is at fault. This type of insurance is known as third-party insurance.

If you do not have first-party or third-party insurance, you may still be able to recover the cost of repairs to your vehicle if you can prove that the other driver was at fault. This is known as a diminution of value claim.

A diminution of value claim is a claim for the decrease in value of your vehicle due to the accident. To prove a diminution of value claim, you must show that the accident caused your vehicle to lose value. This can be done by getting an estimate of the value of your vehicle before and after the accident.

If you can prove that the accident caused your vehicle to lose value, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. However, you will likely only be able to recover a portion of the cost of repairs. The amount you can recover will depend on the damage to your vehicle.

If you have been in an accident and are considering making a diminution of value claim, you should speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will be able to assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Conclusion

If you've been in an auto accident in LA, you may be wondering what kind of damages you can recover. The good news is that you can recover various damages, including property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Mendez & Sanchez Law, we have an auto accident attorney in California who understands your challenges. We're here to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Whether you were in a minor fender bender or a major collision, we can help. Let us help fight for you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today!

FAQ's

Decorative
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Tell Mendez & Sanchez About Your Case.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Let's Get
in Touch
Opening
hours
Monday-Friday
8am - 5pm
Personal Injury California
Personal Injury
Nevada
Workers'
Compensation California

Thank you for choosing our personal injury website. To address your legal inquiry effectively, please provide detailed information about your case in the form below. Expect a prompt response within one business day. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to assisting you.

Thank you! Your submission has been received.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
TEXT USCALL USUpload your case
Text UsCall Us
Available 24/7  |  Hablamos Español
Chamber of Commerce Badge