How Much Is Your Auto Accident Compensation Worth?

Car accident damages are designed to compensate the victims of the collision. Some of the damages include property damage, medical bills and pain and suffering.

In New York you have three years from the date of an accident to start a lawsuit. But, if you wait too long can hurt your case. Evidence could be lost over time or destroyed. Witnesses might forget important details.

Damages

In a car accident, victims may be awarded compensation for their economic losses including medical expenses and lost wages. Additionally, they may receive compensation for noneconomic damages like pain and discomfort. However, how much your claim is worth depends on the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

A skilled auto accident attorney can help you determine the worth of your injuries as well as property damage, and negotiate with the insurance company for an acceptable settlement. But, keep in mind that insurance companies exist to make money. That means that they will try to settle your claim for as little as possible. You require an attorney who will fight for you to obtain the maximum amount you are entitled to.

In addition to the expense of repairing your vehicle you can also claim reimbursement for personal belongings that were damaged during the crash. Shoes, clothing and jewelry are all included. You may also be eligible for reimbursement for expenses relating to housekeeping, gardening or childcare if you aren't able to complete these tasks by yourself due your injuries.

Your deductible can also be a part of the equation when determining how your claim is worth. You'll have to pay your deductible before the insurance company starts to pay for your damages. You can then sue the driver who was at fault to recover any remaining damages.

Medical bills

The medical bills that result from a car accident can quickly mount up. The average cost of an ambulance ride, hospital stay and inpatient care can be tens of thousand dollars or more. In addition, the cost for physical therapy, prescription medications and other medical care could continue to rise as the person who was injured continues to recover.

The driver who is at fault is responsible for settling the victim's losses including medical expenses when they are found to be liable in a lawsuit. The law does not mandate that the at-fault driver pay for the medical expenses of their victim on regularly.

Unless you live in a state that is no-fault, the first step to take for medical bills compensation is to submit an application to your insurance company for auto accidents coverage for PIP (personal injury protection) coverage. Based on the limits of your policy it could be able to pay for the majority or all of your medical expenses.

You should also make a claim with the at-fault driver's car insurance for any liability coverage they have in addition to the uninsured motorist insurance on your own car policy. These insurance policies may reimburse your medical expenses, although they often come with deductibles and other conditions that you must adhere to. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you in navigating the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will allow you to not spend your income on medical bills and focus on recovering.

Lost wages

Accidents that involve cars could cause you to miss work. This could leave you with no income and unable to pay your bills. You may need to borrow money from friends or family members. It could take months to settle your case. During this time, you'll have to pay your bills yourself and wait for the settlement.

A claim for lost wages could aid in recovering the money you would have earned if not for the car accident injury. This can include hourly wages and salary, but can also include other financial advantages such as bonuses and raises. Your lawyer can determine the actual amount of lost earnings.

You can file a claim for lost wages through a no fault insurance company or by filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. The claim is typically based on your medical bills, evidence that you were unable to work due to injuries, and proof of your lost earning capacity. It is sometimes known as the demand package.

You'll need a letter from your employer providing proof of your employment, which includes the days you missed work due to your injuries and the hours you normally work. You will also need to submit your paystubs and tax documents. Your lawyer can assist you in assembling these documents and making a compelling request to submit to the insurer or judge in your case.

Pain and suffering

While some costs associated with a crash can be calculated to the penny -- such as medical bills, emergency services, surgery costs, medications, and lost wages--others cannot. These damages that aren't quantifiable are called"pain and suffering" and are an important part in a victim's compensation claim.

The emotional and physical consequences of an accident are associated with pain and suffering. The injuries sustained by a victim could have a lasting impact on their lives, leading to permanent disabilities, or even death. A victim with a debilitating head injury, for instance could never be capable of working or functioning normally. These kinds of injuries usually merit a substantial settlement.

In the majority of cases, the amount and suffering a victim suffers is determined by the severity of the injury and the impact it had on their lives. A knowledgeable attorney will study the specific details of your case to determine the appropriate amount of settlement. They will make use of previous settlement amounts for similar injuries as a reference in order to provide you with an idea of how much your case is worth.

In reality, insurance companies frequently try to deflect victims who claim pain and suffering by claiming that their physical or emotional injuries aren't serious enough. A skilled lawyer will resist such tactics and negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company to ensure you get an appropriate settlement.