Public transport is an affordable and convenient mode of transport for many in the United States. People use public transport over 34 million times every weekday, highlighting the importance of public transport in the average American’s life. Though this is such a vital part of our lives, it can also get involved in accidents that cause injuries.
Such accidents can be caused by various factors such as driver negligence, poor maintenance, or other external factors. No matter what caused the accidents, if a person is injured in a public transport vehicle accident, they must talk to mass transit accident lawyers. They can help victims get compensation for their losses so the victims can recover and move on in their lives.
This blog explores the various damages a victim can claim after an accident involving public transport.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible financial losses the victim may face after being injured in an accident. Here are some types of economic damages a victim can claim and the evidence they’ll require to prove their losses.
1. Medical Expenses
Medical expenses involve all the medical costs faced by the victim due to the accident. This can include the current and future expenses the victim may face. This includes:
- Emergence medical care expenses
- Hospitalization and surgery expenses
- Medication and physical or occupational therapy expenses
- Assistive devices and long-term rehabilitation expenses.
To ensure that no expenses are missed, ensure to keep a record of the following:
- All medical bills
- Prescriptions
- Medical record
- Doctor’s reports
2. Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Undoubtedly, an accident often prevents the victim from returning to work for a period of time or indefinitely. In such cases, the victim has the right to get compensation, though the amount may also depend on the following:
- Lost wages during the recovery period.
- Loss of future wages due to long-term injuries.
- Loss of earning potential due to injuries that prevent the victim from returning to the same job.
- Disability compensation if injuries lead to permanent disabilities, leaving the victim unable to work forever.
To prove lost wages or reduced income capacity claim, these types of evidence will be required:
- Pay stubs
- Medical notes
- Employer statements
3. Property Damage and Additional Expenses
If the accident caused property damage or other losses, the victim can get damages for it as well, such as:
- Repair or replacement of damaged personal property such as phones, laptops, etc.
- Transportation costs for medical reasons
- Home remodeling to accommodate the injured, such as wheelchair ramps, handlebars, etc.
Evidence required to ensure compensation for such losses:
- Receipts for all expenses
- Estimate repair costs
- Photos of damaged property
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the intangible losses a victim might face after an accident. Here are some non-economic damages a victim can claim after being injured in a public transport accident.
1. Pain and Suffering
Being involved in an accident can be physically and emotionally traumatizing, this compensation aims to provide monetary relief for the same. Factors that influence the amount of compensation a victim might receive under pain and suffering:
- Impact of the hardships on the victim’s daily life
- Severity of the victim’s injuries
- Long-term impact of the injuries on the victim’s life
Here is how a victim can keep a record of their pain and suffering:
- Maintain a pain journal
- Get psychological evaluations
2. Loss of Quality of Life
Some injuries completely alter the life of the injured, such as their lifestyle, work life, or just the ability to enjoy their life. Some types of loss of quality of life include:
- Loss of independence due to requiring assistance or caregivers to perform daily tasks
- Inability to participate in hobbies or social activities due to limitations
- Permanent disabilities that restrict the victim’s functionality
To ensure a fair compensation for loss of quality of life, the following evidence will be required:
- Medical records
- Testimonies from loved ones
