The size and scope of the damages you will be able to recoup will depend on two factors: 1) the severity of your injuries, and 2) the skill level of your attorney. If your injuries are minimal, chances are even the best attorney will recover only basic compensation. However, as the severity increases, it opens the door for numerous other non-economic forms of damages. That is assuming, of course, that your attorney has the proper experience. 

Damages are typically categorized as either compensatory or punitive. Punitive damages are very rarely awarded, and so they are not usually a main point of contention. They are awarded in cases where the defendant acted especially negligently, but that is up for interpretation, as there is no set criteria in terms of eligibility.  

Compensatory damages, on the other hand, encompass all the physical and psychological damages a person can sustain, including but not limited to:

• Medical costs
• Property damage
• Lost wages, damage to future earnings
• Disability 
• Loss of enjoyment 
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of companionship

As a general rule, all damages that can be easily quantified–medical bills, lost wages, property damage, etc.–are much easier to recover. Non-quantifiable damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment are much harder to obtain given their subjective nature. The more evidence you can present, the better, and having a skilled attorney by your side never hurts.