Payment to accident victims

Source: Insurance Principles & Practices, Frederick G Crane

Payment to accident victims are classified as special damages or general damages.

Special damages repay the victim's actual expenses. They include the cost of medical treatment, car repairs and loss of earnings.

General damages compensate for losses that are not directly measurable in dollars, such as the injured person's pain and suffering. They may also include payments for such things as facial scars or the loss of ability to bear children.

Liability insurers pay more for general damages than they do for special damages.