How Much Is Your Auto Accident Compensation Worth?
Damages from car accidents are intended to compensate victims for their losses. Some of the damages include property damage, medical bills and suffering and pain.
In New York, you have up to three years to pursue legal action following an accident, but being patient can damage your case. Over time, evidence may be lost or destroyed witnesses could forget important details.
Damages
In the event of a car accident the victims may receive compensation for their economic losses for medical bills and lost wages. In addition, they could receive compensation for non-economic losses such as discomfort and pain. The amount of your claim will be worth is contingent on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
A knowledgeable attorney for car accidents can assist you in determining the worth of your injuries as well as property damage, and negotiate with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. Insurance companies are in the business of making money. That means that they will try to settle your claim for as little as they can. You need an attorney who will fight for you to get the maximum amount you are entitled to.
In addition to the costs of repairing your vehicle you can also claim compensation for any personal items that were damaged in the collision. This includes your clothing, shoes, and jewelry. You can also get compensation for costs related to gardening, housekeeping or childcare if aren't able to complete these tasks yourself due to your injuries.
In determining the amount of your claim, your deductible will also be considered. You will need to pay your deductible prior to the insurance company begins to pay for your damages. You can then sue the driver who was at fault to recover any remaining damages.
Medical bills
Medical bills arising of a car accident could quickly grow. auto accident attorneys fayetteville for an ambulance ride, hospital stay or inpatient treatment can amount to several thousand dollars or more. In addition, the cost for prescription drugs, physical therapy and other care can continue to rise as the person who was injured gets better.
If a driver is found to be at fault in a lawsuit, they are accountable for the victim's damages, which includes medical costs. The law does not mandate that the at-fault driver pay for medical expenses incurred by their victim on a regular basis.
If you do not reside in a no-fault state, the first step for medical bill compensation is to submit an application to your auto insurance company for PIP (personal injury protection) coverage. Based on the limits of your policy the coverage could be sufficient to cover all or a portion of your medical expenses.
You must also file a claim with the insurance company of the driver at fault for any liability insurance they carry, as well as the uninsured motorist insurance on your car insurance. These policies can reimburse you for medical costs, but they often contain deductibles and other terms. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process of getting medical bills paid. This will enable you to reduce the amount you spend on medical bills, and instead concentrate on your recovery.
Loss of wages
Injuries from car accidents can keep you out of work. You may not be able to pay your bills and suffer a loss of income as a result. You may have to take out loans from family members or friends. Settlements can take months. In the meantime, you'll have to pay your bills yourself and wait for the settlement.
A claim for lost wages can help you recover the money you could have earned not for the injuries sustained in your car accident. This can include hourly earnings and salary, however it can also include other financial advantages like raises and bonuses. Your attorney can calculate the exact amount of lost earnings.
You can either make a claim through an insurer with no fault or take action against the party responsible for the loss of wages. The claim typically involves medical expenses, proof that you missed work due to injuries, and proof of your lost earning capacity. This is often referred to as a demand package.
You'll have to provide a letter from your employer which confirms the details of your job including the days you were absent because of your injury and the hours you normally work. You'll also have to provide your pay stubs and tax documents. Your lawyer can help you to gather these documents and make a compelling demand package to present to the insurance company or judge in your case.
Suffering and pain
Some expenses associated with an accident can be estimated to the penny, such as emergency services, medical costs and surgeries, medication and lost wages. However, others aren't. These unquantifiable losses are referred to as pain and suffering, and they form an essential element of a person's compensation claim.
Both the emotional and physical effects of an accident are part of the suffering and pain. The injuries sustained by victims can have a lasting effect on their lives that can cause permanent disabilities, or even death. Someone who has suffered a debilitating head injury, as an example might never be functional or work normally. These types of injuries often result in a large settlement.
In most cases, the amount and suffering a victim experiences is determined by the severity of the injury and the impact it had on their lives. An experienced attorney will look into the specific details of your case and determine the most appropriate amount to settle. They will use previous settlement amounts for similar injuries as a reference to give you an idea of the amount your case is worth.
Insurance companies try to undermine the claims of victims of pain and suffering, by claiming their injuries are not sufficient. A skilled lawyer will rebuff these tactics and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive an equitable settlement.