Car accidents in California may leave drivers with injuries and other serious issues. Some drivers also experience pain and suffering after a collision. Are pain and suffering losses separate from medical expenses in Los Angeles?
Medical bills and pain and suffering losses are different after a car accident, including accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUI). Medical bills are an example of economic losses, while pain and suffering are non-economic losses. Use this article to learn more about the differences between these losses.
Economic Losses and Medical Expenses in Los Angeles
Let’s consider the facts about medical expenses after a DUI accident in Los Angeles. As we mentioned, these expenses are considered economic losses. Economic losses have an easily understood financial value. Other examples of economic losses include:
- The costs to repair a motor vehicle
- Wages lost at work during recovery from injuries
Drivers usually receive bills for their economic losses. There are many possible medical expenses that a driver could face after a DUI accident in California. Drivers may attempt to get compensation to cover their:
- Emergency medical care.
- Time in the hospital.
- Surgeries and other procedures.
- Rehabilitation and medication.
Any of these expenses may get covered by the driver who caused the collision in Los Angeles.
Non-Economic Losses and Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are not economic losses, so they do not have a clear-cut dollar value. These losses represent damages that don’t come with bills, but this does not mean they are not covered after an accident.
In most cases, drivers receive compensation for their pain and suffering. Non-economic losses are usually calculated after economic losses. Insurance agents in California often use the multiplier method for these calculations.
Using the multiplier method is simple. An insurance company takes the amount of a driver’s economic losses and multiples it by a multiplier. The multiplier for non-economic damages may be from 1.5 to 5. Generally, more serious accidents result in a higher multiplier, which means that drivers generally get more compensation for non-economic damages.
Contact a lawyer in Los Angeles to get more information about non-economic damages after a DUI accident. Start learning more about your case by calling (310) 896-2724. A member of our team can explain damages associated with accidents in California.
Other Types of Damages for a DUI Accident
The court in Los Angeles may also award drivers exemplary damages after an accident. Exemplary damages do not cover losses a driver sustained in an accident. Instead, they are designed to punish the individual who caused the accident.
After an accident, lawyers can work immediately to show who caused a collision in California. Lawyers may:
- Investigate the scene of the accident.
- Speak with witnesses.
- Review police reports about the collision.
Taking these steps is very important, especially if you are accused of causing a crash. Sometimes, police officers accuse drivers of causing an accident if they were drinking at the time of the collision. Drinking alcohol alone does not cause an accident.
A lawyer may take steps to show that another driver caused the collision, which could help you avoid paying out compensation. Speak to us if you were accused of a DUI at the time of the crash.
Paying Compensation for a DUI Accident in Los Angeles
The driver who caused an accident may have to compensate anyone hurt in the collision. In many cases, insurance companies cover these payments. Insurance companies offer compensation through settlements. Your insurance company might settle with other drivers you hit.
You can also seek compensation from another insurance company if someone else caused your accident. Your claim may even go to the California courts. You could end up facing charges under California Vehicle Code Section 23153 in this situation.
A lawyer can help you handle these criminal charges as well as your civil court case. Your lawyer may help you avoid penalties like jail time, fines, and restrictions on your driver’s license. Get comprehensive legal assistance right now by contacting us.
Learn if Pain and Suffering Are Separate from Medical Bills
Pain and suffering are compensated separately from medical bills after a DUI accident in Los Angeles. Medical bills are economic losses. Pain and suffering are non-economic losses. Reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer for help understanding different types of compensation after a collision. We’re ready to assess your case now with a free consultation.
Contact us by calling (310) 896-2724. You may also fill out our online contact form. We’re standing by to offer you legal advice right now.
