Legal Ramifications
The at-fault party or possibly both parties are considered at-fault, may face criminal or civil liability, or even both. The conditions of criminal liability usually involve serious injury or death, gross negligence, inebriated drivers, or otherwise illegal behavior. As for civil liability, auto accident lawsuits have become the most common type of tort in the US. If a defendant is found at fault, they could be required to pay damages to the plaintiff.
Damages can be broken down into three categories:
- Economic Damage
This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and general "real expenses"
- Non-Economic Damage
This covers pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and emotional suffering
- Physical Disfigurement and Impairment
This covers expenses due to permanent impairment