Bus accidents can have life-changing consequences, especially when commercial vehicles are involved. Victims often face significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term physical and emotional struggles. If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, understanding how damages are calculated is essential for seeking fair compensation. 

At Lebovitz Law Group, our bus accident lawyers in Phoenix specialize in helping accident victims navigate the complexities of these claims. Whether you’ve sustained economic losses, like medical bills, or non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, we can assist you in calculating and pursuing your rightful compensation. Learn more about our services. 

 What Are Economic and Non-Economic Damages? 

When calculating damages in a bus accident claim, two categories of losses are typically considered: economic and non-economic damages. These two types of compensation represent different aspects of the harm suffered by the victim. 

Economic Damages: Tangible Losses with Clear Value 

Economic damages cover the financial losses that are easy to quantify. These damages include both past and future costs resulting from the accident. 

• Medical Expenses: Includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care. 

• Lost Wages: Covers income lost due to the injury, including future earnings if the victim cannot return to work. 

• Property Damage: Compensation for damage to the victim’s vehicle or personal property during the accident. 

• Funeral Expenses: In wrongful death cases, funeral costs are covered under economic damages. 

These damages are easier to calculate since they involve bills, receipts, and other financial documents. However, it’s important to have an experienced bus accident attorney review your medical records, wages, and property value to ensure you receive full compensation. Visit our Phoenix office to discuss your case in more detail. 

 Non-Economic Damages: Intangible Losses with Subjective Value 

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for the intangible, personal harm caused by the bus accident. These losses are harder to quantify, but they are just as significant. 

• Pain and Suffering: Includes both physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. 

• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD that results from the traumatic experience. 

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the victim’s ability to enjoy daily activities is significantly affected. 

• Loss of Consortium: Damages related to the impact on a relationship, particularly in cases of wrongful death. 

Non-economic damages can be more challenging to calculate since there is no set formula. Our bus accident lawyers in Phoenix use expert testimony, the severity of the injury, and the overall impact on the victim’s life to advocate for appropriate compensation. 

How Are Economic and Non-Economic Damages Calculated? 

Each category of damages involves different methods of calculation, and it’s important to understand how they are determined. 

Calculating Economic Damages 

• Medical Expenses: These are based on actual invoices, receipts, and statements from healthcare providers. Future medical costs are estimated by consulting medical professionals about the long-term impact of the injury. 

• Lost Wages: This is typically calculated using your salary or hourly wage multiplied by the time you’ve been unable to work. Future lost wages are calculated based on your expected earning potential before the accident. 

• Property Damage: Receipts and estimates for repairs or replacements help determine the financial loss. 

• Funeral Expenses: In wrongful death cases, a detailed bill from the funeral home or related service providers is used to determine compensation. 

At Lebovitz Law Group, we work with financial experts and healthcare professionals to ensure every economic loss is accounted for. You can find more details about the process here. 

Calculating Non-Economic Damages 

• Pain and Suffering: Often calculated using a multiplier method—multiplying your economic damages by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) depending on the severity of the injuries. 

• Emotional Distress: Considered based on medical evaluations and psychological assessments, including any diagnosed conditions like PTSD. 

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Determined by how the accident has restricted your ability to engage in hobbies, work, or social activities. 

• Loss of Consortium: This includes assessing how the relationship with your spouse or partner has been affected. 

Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages can be more subjective. Our Phoenix bus accident attorneys work hard to present compelling evidence, including witness testimony, medical records, and expert evaluations, to ensure you receive fair compensation for your suffering. 

Factors That Affect the Amount of Damages You Can Recover 

The total damages you can recover depend on several key factors that influence the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. 

• Severity of Injuries: Severe injuries often lead to higher medical expenses and greater pain and suffering. 

• Impact on Your Life: If the accident permanently disables you or drastically changes your lifestyle, you may be entitled to more significant compensation. 

• Pre-Existing Conditions: In some cases, pre-existing conditions can affect the overall compensation if the bus accident aggravated the condition. 

• Liability and Fault: If more than one party is at fault, the amount of damages may be shared among them based on the degree of fault. 

Understanding these factors is crucial for evaluating the strength of your claim and the compensation you may be entitled to. Speak with a bus accident lawyer to assess your case. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Bus Accident Claim 

When filing a bus accident claim, there are several common mistakes victims should avoid to ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve. 

• Delaying Medical Treatment: Always seek medical care right after the accident. This ensures your injuries are properly documented and increases the credibility of your claim. 

• Giving Statements to Insurers: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Do not give recorded statements or sign anything without consulting an attorney. 

• Underestimating Non-Economic Losses: Non-economic damages can be just as significant as economic damages. Ensure you document the full emotional and physical toll of the accident. 

• Ignoring Legal Deadlines: In Arizona, you have limited time to file a claim. Failing to meet deadlines could prevent you from recovering damages. 

At Lebovitz Law Group, we can help you avoid these mistakes. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. 

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages in Bus Accidents 

Damage Type	Examples	How It’s Calculated
Economic Damages	Medical Bills, Lost Wages, Property	Based on receipts, invoices, and financial records
Non-Economic Damages	Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress	Estimated using a multiplier or expert evaluations

Conclusion: Getting the Compensation You Deserve After a Bus Accident 

Calculating damages in a bus accident case requires a comprehensive understanding of both economic and non-economic losses. Whether you’re dealing with hospital bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, understanding your rights can significantly impact the compensation you receive. 

At Lebovitz Law Group, we specialize in helping bus accident victims in Phoenix navigate the complex legal process and recover the maximum compensation available. 

Visit our Phoenix office or call us today for a free consultation. 

 

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