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Is there a limit to the amount of damages you can receive in a car accident claim?

On Behalf of | Oct 9, 2024 | Car Accidents

If you were in a car accident in Texas, you may wonder whether a car accident claim will actually provide you with the money you need. Many states place limits on how much an injured person can recover in a personal injury lawsuit. What should you know about maximum damages in Texas?

What types of damages might you receive in a car accident?

In Texas, compensation after a car accident falls into three categories:

  • Economic damages: These damages cover direct costs like medical bills, car repairs and lost wages if you can’t work because of the accident.
  • Non-economic damages: These damages are for the less tangible impacts of an accident, such as emotional distress or pain.
  • Exemplary damages: In cases where the other party’s behavior was particularly negligent or malicious, the court might award exemplary damages (sometimes called punitive damages) as a form of punishment.

A car accident claim may involve multiple types of damages depending on your situation.

Does Texas law limit the damages you can receive after a car accident?

In Texas, there is generally no limit on how much you can claim for economic and non-economic damages. However, the law does limit the amount of exemplary damages that the court can award. The law sets the limit of these damages in most situations at either:

  • $200,000
  • Two times the economic damages plus the same amount of non-economic damages, with a maximum of $750,000.

The higher of these two amounts is the maximum you can get in exemplary damages.

Determining the exact amount of compensation you can receive after a car accident in Texas can be complex. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and figure out the best approach to get the compensation you deserve.

By knowing the types of damages you can claim and the limits on those damages, you can better seek the compensation you deserve.

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