Accidents can leave you with more than just physical pain. You may face lost income, growing medical bills, emotional stress, and a long recovery. If someone else caused your injury, you have the right to seek compensation.
At Turner Monahan PLLC, we help clients understand how personal injury damages are calculated and what they’re legally owed. This guide breaks it down in simple, clear terms.
For personalized advice, please contact Attorney Tyler Monahan, partner at Turner-Monahan, PLLC, to discuss your case.
What Are Personal Injury Damages?
“Damages” are the losses you suffer after an accident. In personal injury law, these are divided into two main types:
- Economic Damages
These are financial losses you can prove with bills, receipts, or pay stubs.
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescriptions.
- Future Medical Care: Surgeries, rehab, or long-term treatment that may be needed.
- Lost Wages: Income you lost because you couldn’t work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace a vehicle or other damaged property.
- Non-Economic Damages
These are harder to calculate because they involve things that don’t come with a bill.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD.
- Loss of Enjoyment: If your injury keeps you from doing things you used to enjoy.
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse or family.
For thoughtful, trial-tested representation from someone who truly understands what injury victims face, contact Attorney Matthew T. McLain at Turner-Monahan, PLLC.
Why Accurate Calculation Matters
Insurance companies often try to settle fast and pay less. If you don’t know what your case is really worth, you may accept far less than you need, especially if future medical care or ongoing pain is involved.
Working with a trusted personal injury lawyer near you can help make sure everything is included in your claim. That includes both current and future damages.
How Do Lawyers Prove Damages?
A strong case includes:
- Medical records
- Employment history or pay stubs
- Expert medical opinions
- Accident reports
- Photos or videos from the scene
- Testimonies from family or therapists
A note on spoliation letters:
If you were hit by a commercial vehicle or motorcycle, send a spoliation letter as soon as possible. This is a legal notice telling the at-fault party to preserve evidence, like dashcam footage, black box data, or maintenance records. Without it, crucial proof might be deleted or lost.
Example: Car vs. Motorcycle Accident
Let’s say someone was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle. The rider has a broken leg, can’t work for three months, and may need surgery later.
Here’s what their damages might include (hypothetical amounts):
- $25,000 in hospital bills
- $9,000 in lost wages
- $15,000 estimated for future surgery
- $10,000 in pain and suffering
- $3,000 in bike repair costs
Total damages = $62,000
(And that’s before attorney negotiations or jury decisions.)
Whether it’s a car accident, defective product, or serious injury, Matthew T. McLain brings the skill and compassion you need. Reach out today to discuss your case.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Calculating damages isn’t just about adding numbers. You need someone who:
- Knows how to estimate future losses
- Can negotiate with insurance companies
- Understands trucking and commercial vehicle laws
- Knows how to maximize your compensation
Whether you were in a motorcycle wreck, truck accident, or car crash, Turner Monahan PLLC is here to help.
We represent:
- Motorcycle accident victims (motorcycle accident lawyers near me)
- Truck crash victims (18-wheeler truck accident attorney, commercial truck injury lawyers)
- Car accident victims (accident lawyer, personal injury attorney near me)
- People hit by delivery or commercial vehicles (commercial vehicle injury attorneys)
What to Do After an Accident
Take these steps to protect your rights:
- Get medical help right away.
- Call the police and get an official report.
- Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries.
- Collect contact info from witnesses.
- Write a spoliation letter (especially for truck or commercial vehicle accidents).
- Contact a personal injury attorney near you.
Common Questions
Q: What if I don’t feel injured right away?
Some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) show up later. Always get checked by a doctor.
Q: Can I still get damages if I was partially at fault?
In Texas, yes, if you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation is reduced based on your share of fault.
Q: Do personal injury firms charge upfront fees?
Most work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Protect Your Case from Day One – Talk to Turner Monahan PLLC
If you were hurt in an accident, your recovery matters, physically and financially. Don’t let insurance companies decide what your case is worth.
Whether it’s a motorcycle accident, commercial truck crash, or everyday car collision, Turner Monahan PLLC is ready to fight for you.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys, Tyler Monahan or Matthew McLain, to discuss your case and explore your options. Let us help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to obtain legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PLLC, by signing a written retainer agreement.
