California law allows you to collect both economic and non-economic damages after a car accident. Economic damages compensate for financial losses incurred in the car accident, such as: Medical expenses, including hospital bills, medication costs, and rehabilitation Lost income if your injuries prevented you from working Loss of earning capacity if the accident resulted in long-term disability that affects your ability to work and earn a living Property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing your car Other expenses, such as rental cars or transportation expenses Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective damages, such as: Physical and emotional pain and suffering Mental anguish, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder Loss of enjoyment of life Loss of consortium or companionship if the accident affects your relationship with your spouse You may not know just how much car accident damages can add up, which is why you should never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without first speaking with a car accident lawyer.