When a person is involved in an auto accident, it can be overwhelming for all parties involved. Clients who come to the Beattie Law Firm for advice, often wonder what damages can be recovered. There are several categories according to Iowa law, which we’ve outlined below:

PROPERTY DAMAGE

In the case that your car is damaged following an accident, you are entitled to obtain compensation — within reason — to repair your vehicle, as long as the cost to repair does not exceed the actual market value.

If damages are substantial and the cost to repair is higher than the market value, then you are entitled to receive the market value.

In addition, although your car or truck has been repaired, or even if you should get yourself a fresh car or truck, you are also eligible for the significance connected with loosing using your car or truck to the time period moderately necessary to do the repair or even to get a alternative.

To put it differently, if the car or truck is usually ruined or even destroyed, the actual defendants are obligated to repay an individual the significance of the procurment car during the time necessary to get the car repaired or even substituted.

MEDICAL EXPENSES

If your injury requires medical care, Iowa law states the defendants owe you reasonable cost of current medical expenses, including: hospital charges, doctor charges and prescriptions.

Under medical expenses, you are also entitled to receive compensation for necessary future medical expenses.

LOST WAGES

Under Iowa law you are eligible to receive compensation for your lost wages from the date of your injury to the trial.

LOSS OF FUTURE EARNING CAPACITY

You are entitled for compensation for any future earning capacity that was caused by your injury. Future compensation is determined by present value.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGES

Iowa law identifies different aspects of physical and psychological damages, which are “loss of function of the mind and body” and “physical and mental pain and suffering”. Award of loss of full mind and body is determined by the injured part of the claimant’s mind or body to function in a normal manner. Physical and mental pain and suffering include, but are not limited to: bodily suffering or discomfort, mental anguish or loss of enjoyment of life.

How do I know what damages to seek?

Our helpful staff at The Beattie Law Firm has years of experience dealing with auto accidents and other personal injury cases. Some cases may seem straightforward while others are very complex.

Know that the Beattie Law Firm has your best interest in mind and we can help you figure out compensation so you are able to move on.