Encinitas, CA personal injury attorney Michael Padilla talks about the damages you can recover in a car accident case. He states that damages recoverable in a car accident case under California civil procedure are generally categorized into two types: non-economic and economic. Non-economic damages, commonly referred to as pain and suffering, encompass much more than physical discomfort. They include physical pain, compromised quality of life, physical impairment, inconvenience, annoyance, anxiety, emotional distress, and mental distress—all elements outlined in the jury instructions during trial.

Economic damages, on the other hand, cover quantifiable losses such as past and future medical expenses and past and future wage or earnings losses. He emphasizes the importance of carefully preparing and monetizing these future losses. In substantial cases, it is critical to engage an expert witness to analyze the client’s earnings history, performance, and potential career trajectory in order to accurately project earnings loss over the remainder of the client’s working life.