Automobile accidents are one of the most frequently occurring types of personal injury. Depending on the accident, and the injuries suffered, a person injured in an automobile accident may be able to sue the person(s) responsible for the accident for damages.

Some automobile insurance policies only allow a person to recover damages for injuries if they are serious and permanent injuries, as described by the State Legislature. In virtually every case, insurance will pay for some, if not all of an accident victim's reasonable and necessary medical bills.

Generally, a court will look at four elements to determine whether or not to award damages in a personal injury case:

• Whether the defendant had a responsibility or a duty to the plaintiff,
  
• Whether the defendant violated that responsibility or duty
  
• Whether the plaintiff was hurt
  
• Whether the plaintiff's injuries were caused by the other party's breach of duty or responsibility.

If the plaintiff successfully proves all four elements, the court may award damages to compensate for the injuries or losses.