Car accident injuries impact the victim’s life in many ways. From financial stress to physical pain, the recovery process can be challenging, disruptive, and stressful. While you probably know that you have the right to pursue monetary compensation that can go towards the costs of your medical bills, medication costs, and lost wages stemming from your injuries, you may wonder whether you can receive compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. Here’s what Southwest Washington residents need to know about collecting pain and suffering damages following an auto accident injury.
Defining Pain and Suffering in Washington State
Under Washington state law, there are two categories of financial damages available to personal injury victims: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to direct financial losses, like medical bills, physical therapy bills, and loss of earnings. Non-economic damages refer to more subjective monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and other harder-to-quantify costs.
Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages
There are limitations on the amount of pain and suffering damages you can recover following an auto accident injury in Washington state. For example, according to the Revised Code of Washington, Section 4.56.250, the amount cannot exceed your average annual wage multiplied by 0.43 and your life expectancy. Additionally, under Washington’s pure comparative negligence rules, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, you’ll only be entitled to recover the amount of compensation that’s proportional to your role in the accident.
How a Vancouver Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Even though it’s possible to pursue compensation on your own, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer allows you to maximize your recovery amount. Your lawyer will assess the specifics of your situation and determine the most appropriate path forward. Together, you can negotiate and secure the financial compensation you need to support your physical, mental, and emotional recovery.
If you’ve suffered an auto accident injury in the Vancouver, Camas, or Portland area, call the dedicated and friendly personal injury attorneys at Henderson Taylor Law Firm today at (360) 737-1478.
