What Kinds of Damages Can You Get in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

 Posted on June 10, 2025 in Personal Injury

Car accidents happen every day, and when they do, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and time off work, the financial and emotional toll can be significant. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to obtain compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced New York Metro Area car accident injury attorney can advise you on the types of damages you may be able to claim in a personal injury lawsuit based on the facts of your accident.

What Types of Damages Can You Obtain in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

Economic Damages

Economic damages are awarded for financial losses from the car accident. These are often the most straightforward damages to prove in a New York car accident case. They include medical bills covering everything from emergency room visits and surgery to physical therapy and ongoing treatment costs. 

You can also recover lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working, including future earning capacity if they will affect your ability to work long-term. Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings is another key component, covering repair costs or replacement value if your car was totaled. 

However, keep in mind that New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurance typically covers basic economic losses like medical bills and lost wages up to a certain amount, regardless of who was at fault for the crash. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that do not have a specific dollar amount attached but are nonetheless significant. However, in New York, you can only pursue these damages if your injuries meet the state's "serious injury" threshold, which includes things like permanent loss of use of a body organ, significant disfigurement, fractures, or impairment of a body function.

Pain and suffering represent the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries, including ongoing chronic pain, disability, and mental anguish. Loss of enjoyment of life covers your inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. Emotional distress damages address psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress that can result from a serious accident.

Punitive Damages

In situations in which the other driver's conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, such as drunk driving, street racing, or other similar instances of reckless conduct, courts may award punitive damages. However, these damages are relatively rare and typically only available in the most serious cases.

Call a New York Metro Area Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be life-altering. Speak with an experienced New York Metro Area personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC we have served our clients for 75 years, providing sound counsel in difficult situations such as after a car accident that has left you with significant damages. Call the law firm at 203-661-6000 for a free consultation.