The sudden death of an individual in a car accident brings an immense burden on the family. Along with the emotional pain, the family faces new responsibilities and expenses.
It becomes challenging to manage these demands at such a sensitive time. However, if someone else’s negligence caused the fatal accident, the family could claim different types of compensation to ease their burdens.
Economic damages for tangible expenses
Economic damages refer to the financial losses the family faces due to the death of their loved one. These include medical bills before death, funeral costs and the loss of the loved one’s future income.
To claim these damages, the family must show proof of these expenses and reliable projections for the deceased’s earnings. They need to gather all bills, receipts, paystubs and any other documents that show the financial impact of their loss.
Noneconomic damages for emotional trauma
Noneconomic damages are to cover the pain and suffering the family endures due to their loss. Unlike economic damages, these do not have a tangible amount and can be somewhat subjective.
To get a higher amount for noneconomic damages, it is important to demonstrate the depth of the emotional loss. This might include testimonies about the deceased’s role in the family and the emotional toll on the family members. Families should note that the State of Mississippi caps these damages at $1 million in most car accident cases.
Punitive damages to punish gross negligence
Courts award punitive damages in rare cases where the negligence was especially reckless or harmful. These damages are not about compensating the family but punishing the person responsible for the accident. They also serve as a warning to others to not engage in similar behavior. It is important to recognize that receiving punitive damages is rare and happens only in cases of extreme negligence.
While no amount of money can truly replace the loss of a loved one from a fatal car accident, claiming compensation can offer some relief. This step can help families recuperate financially and emotionally after such a tragic event.