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, while some aren't, such as suffering and pain.
In New York, you have up three years to file legal action following a crash, but waiting too long can harm your case. In time, evidence may be lost or destroyed and witnesses may forget key details.
Damages
In a car accident victims may be awarded compensation for the economic loss they suffered like medical bills and lost wages. Additionally, they may receive compensation for non-economic losses like discomfort and pain. The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on how serious your injuries are and the impact they'll have on your life.
A skilled attorney for auto accidents can assist you in determining the worth of your injuries as well as damage to property, and then negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. But, keep in mind that insurance companies are in business to make money. They will do everything they can to settle your claim for as little as they can. You need an attorney who is able to fight for the highest amount you are entitled to.
You can also claim compensation if you have personal items that were damaged during the accident. This includes your shoes, clothes, and jewelry. You may also be eligible for compensation for costs related to housekeeping, gardening or childcare if are not able to do these tasks yourself due to your injuries.
When determining the value of your claim, your deductible is also considered. You must first pay your deductible before the insurance company starts to pay for the damages. You can then sue the motorist who was at fault to recover any remaining damages.
Medical bills
The medical expenses that result from a car accident can quickly grow. The average price for an ambulance ride, hospital stay and inpatient care can be tens of thousands of dollars or more. Additionally, the cost of prescription drugs, physical therapy and other treatments can increase as the victim continues to recover.
When a driver is found to be at fault in a lawsuit, they are liable for the victim's damages including medical costs. The law does not mandate that the at-fault party pay for their victim's medical expenses on a regular basis.
If you are not in the state of no-fault, your first step for getting compensation for medical bills is to apply for PIP coverage (personal injury protection). The coverage could cover all or the majority of your medical expenses, according to the limits of your policy.
You must also file claims against the liability coverage of the motorist at the fault, and your own uninsured motorist insurance policy. These policies may pay for your medical costs, but they often include deductibles or other conditions. A skilled lawyer can assist you to navigate the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will help you avoid having to spend your personal income for medical treatment and allow you to concentrate on recovering.
Loss of wages
Accidents in the car can keep you out of work. This could leave you with no income and struggling to pay your bills. You may need to borrow money from friends or family members. It can also take months to reach a settlement in your case. During this time, it's possible that you'll be required to pay your bills yourself and wait for the settlement.
A claim for lost wages may aid you in recovering the money you would have earned if not for the car accident injury. This can include salary and hourly wages, but it may also include other financial benefits, such as bonuses and raises. Your attorney can help you determine the exact amount of your loss of earnings.
You can make a claim through an insurer with no fault or sue the party at fault for the loss of wages. The claim usually includes your medical expenses, proof of work missed due to your injuries, and documentation of your lost earnings capacity. It is also referred to as the demand package.
You will be required to provide a letter from the employer verifying the specifics of your employment, including the days that you were absent because of your injury and the hours you usually work. You will need to provide your paystubs and tax documents and other pertinent documents. An attorney can help collect these documents and create a compelling demand package to present to the insurance company or judge in your case.
Pain and suffering
Although some expenses incurred in an accident can be calculated to the penny, such as medical bills, emergency services, surgery costs, medications and lost wages, there are other expenses that cannot be quantified. The unquantifiable damages are referred to as pain and suffering and are an essential element in an injury claim.
Both the emotional and physical effects of an accident are included in pain and suffering. The injuries of a victim could be long-lasting and impact their lives, resulting in permanent disability, or even death. A person suffering from a debilitating head injury, for instance, may never be able to work or function normally. These types of injuries are usually worth a substantial settlement.
In most cases, the amount suffering and pain that a victim experiences is contingent upon the extent of their injuries and how the accident has affected their lives. A knowledgeable attorney will study the specifics of your case to determine the appropriate amount of settlement. They will use prior settlement amounts for similar injuries as a reference to help you get an idea of how much your case might be worth in terms of pain and suffering.
Insurance companies try to undermine the claims of victims of suffering and pain, in the belief that their injuries are not enough severe. auto accident law firm st paul can stand up to these tactics and negotiate on your behalf with the insurer to ensure that you receive an appropriate settlement.