North Carolina allows car accident victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, future treatment), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (harm to spousal or family relationships). In cases involving drunk driving or particularly reckless conduct, North Carolina courts may also award punitive damages. The value of your claim depends on injury severity and permanence, impact on your ability to work, and how clearly liability is established.