Pain and suffering is a category of non-economic damages that car accident victims can seek in a lawsuit. Because these damages are all intangible, they are more difficult to calculate. In response, Texas courts typically use two methods to calculate pain and suffering: the Basic Multiplier method and the Per Diem method. The Basic Multiplier method is more common in car accident claims where the victim suffered long-term severe injuries without a precise recovery date. The Per Diem method is more common when you have an estimated recovery date from your injuries. For example, if you suffer extensive ligament damage in your knee, you may need surgery and miss an extended period of time at work. However, you are likely to make enough progress within several months to return. So, if, for example, you missed 100 days of work, you would be awarded a fixed amount per day.