How Much Is Your
Auto Accident Compensation Worth?
Damages resulting from car accidents are designed to compensate victims for their losses. Some of these include the costs of property damage, as well as medical bills, whereas others aren't economic, such as pain and suffering.
In New York you have three years following an accident to start a lawsuit. However, waiting too long could harm your case. Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed witnesses could forget important details.
Damages
In the event of a car accident the victims may receive compensation for the economic loss they suffered for medical bills and lost wages. In addition, they can be compensated for non-economic damages like pain and discomfort. The amount you are entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact they'll have on your life.
A skilled
auto accident attorney can help you determine the value of your injuries and property damage, and negotiate with the insurance company to reach an equitable settlement. Be aware that insurance companies exist to make a profit. This means that they'll attempt to settle your claim as low as they can. So, you need an attorney who knows how to fight for the maximum amount of money that you deserve.
You may also be eligible for compensation if you have personal items damaged in the accident. These include your clothing, shoes and jewelry. You may also be eligible for compensation for costs related to cleaning your home, gardening or childcare, if you are unable to do these tasks because of your injuries.
When determining the value of your claim, your deductible will also be considered. You'll have to pay your deductible before the insurance company begins to compensate you for your losses. You can then file a lawsuit against the driver at fault to recover the remaining amount of your damages.
Medical bills
Medical bills resulting of a car crash could quickly add up. The average price for an ambulance ride, hospital stay or inpatient treatment could be the tens of thousands of dollars or more. In addition, the cost for physical therapy, prescription drugs and other treatments can continue to rise as the injured person progresses through their recovery.
When an individual driver is found to be at fault in a lawsuit they are responsible for paying the victim's damages including medical expenses. The law doesn't require that the at-fault driver be responsible for the medical expenses of their victim on a regular basis.
If you don't reside in an area that is no-fault your first step in getting reimbursement for medical expenses is to apply for PIP coverage (personal injury protection). This coverage may pay for all or a portion of your medical costs, according to the limits of your policy.
You should also make a claim through the insurance policy of the driver who is at fault for any liability insurance they have and also the uninsured motorist coverage on your own car policy. These insurance policies can reimburse your medical expenses, although they often come with deductibles as well as other terms which you must follow. An experienced lawyer can assist you in the process of obtaining medical bills paid. This will save you from having to spend your personal income on medical treatment and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Loss of wages
Accidents that involve cars can result in you missing work. This could leave you with no income and struggling to pay your bills. You may need to borrow money from your friends or family. Settlements can take months. During this time, you'll have to pay the bills yourself and wait for the settlement.
A claim for lost wages may assist you in recovering the amount you would have earned if not for the car accident injury. This can include hourly earnings and salary, but it could also include other financial benefits such as bonuses and raises. Your attorney can calculate the actual loss earnings.
You can file a claim for lost wages through a no-fault insurance company or file a lawsuit against the responsible party. The claim is typically based on your medical bills, evidence that you missed work due to your injuries, and a record of your lost earning capacity. This is often called a demand package.
You will need to provide an official letter from your employer to confirm your employment information, including the days you were off due to your injuries and the hours you work normally. You will need to provide your paystubs, tax documents and other pertinent documents. Your lawyer can help you collect these documents and create an appealing demand package to present to the insurance company or the judge in your case.
Suffering and pain
While some costs associated with an accident can be calculated to the penny--such as emergency services, medical bills and surgery costs, medication and lost wages, there are other expenses that cannot be quantified. These unquantifiable losses are referred to as suffering and pain and are a crucial component of a victim's compensation claim.
Both the emotional and physical consequences of an accident are associated with pain and suffering. A victim's injuries may be long-lasting and impact their lives, leading to permanent impairment or even death. For example, an injured victim suffering from a debilitating brain injury could never work or function normally again. These types of injuries often require a substantial settlement.
In the majority of cases, the amount and suffering a victim endures is determined by the severity of the injury and the impact it had on their lives. An experienced lawyer will look into the specifics of your case to determine a fair settlement. They will use the previous settlement amounts for similar injuries as a guide to provide you with an idea of the amount your case is worth.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to undermine victims who claim suffering and pain by saying that their physical or emotional injuries aren't as serious. A knowledgeable lawyer will fight these tactics and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to ensure you get an appropriate settlement.