When do you qualify for pain and suffering after a car accident?

Some car accidents are relatively minor, leaving those involved with few or no injuries. In a severe crash, most victims are not so lucky. Many suffer from brain injuries or spinal cord damage, potentially affecting then for the rest of their lives.

You probably know that you can receive financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and property damages after a crash. However, you may also be eligible for harm that is not so easy to quantify.

New Mexico pain and suffering damages

Also called non-economic damages, pain and suffering can compensate you for the life-changing effects serious car accidents can cause. For example, if you continue to suffer from agonizing pain due to your crash injuries, you may qualify for pain and suffering.

Non-economic damages are often available if your car accident caused you excessive mental anguish. For example, if you experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leaving you fearful of driving or riding in a vehicle. It may also apply if the crash resulted in pervasive depression, anxiety or stress.

No limits to pain and suffering

Most states place a cap on the dollar amount of non-economic damages to discourage fraud and abuse. New Mexico generally does not limit what you can acquire when seeking pain and suffering. However, if you played a role in the accident (texting and driving, speeding, etc.), your award will be reduced by the percentage of your contribution.

The more you know about car accidents and injury compensation, the better your odds of getting everything you deserve for the harm a crash caused. What you learn can also help you identify the best legal approach to address your crash injuries.