How Much Is Your
Auto Accident Compensation Worth?
Damages from car accidents are intended to compensate victims of the collision. They can include costs of property damage and medical bills, while others aren't economic, such as suffering and pain.
In New York you have three years following an accident to start a lawsuit. However, waiting too long could hurt your case. Over time, evidence may be lost or destroyed and witnesses may forget key details.
Damages
In the event of a car
auto accident victims may be awarded compensation for the economic loss they suffered including medical expenses and lost wages. Additionally, they may receive compensation for noneconomic damages such as pain and discomfort. The amount of compensation you will receive is contingent on the severity of your injuries and the impact they'll have on your life.
A skilled
auto accidents accident attorney can assist you in determining the value of your injuries as well as property damage, and negotiate with the insurance provider for an equitable settlement. Remember that insurance companies are in business to make a profit. This means that they'll try to settle your claim as low as they can. You need an attorney who will fight to get the most money you deserve.
In addition to the cost of repairing your vehicle, you can also claim compensation for personal belongings that were damaged by the collision. Clothing, shoes, and jewelry are all covered. You can also receive compensation for the costs of housekeeping, gardening or childcare if you aren't able to complete these tasks on your own due to your injuries.
In determining the value of your claim, your deductible will also be taken into consideration. You'll need to pay your deductible prior to the insurance company begins to compensate you for your losses. You may then start a lawsuit against the driver at fault to recover any remaining sums of your losses.
Medical bills
Medical bills that result from a car crash can quickly add up. The average cost for an ambulance ride, hospital stay and inpatient treatment could be tens of thousands of dollars or more. Furthermore, the cost of prescription drugs, physical therapy and other care can increase as the injured person is able to recover.
When the driver is found be at fault in a lawsuit, they are responsible for paying the victim's damages, which includes medical expenses. The law does not require that the at-fault driver pay for their victim's medical expenses on regular basis.
If you are not in an area that is no-fault the first step for receiving compensation for medical bills is to apply for PIP coverage (personal injury protection). The insurance coverage can cover all or most of your medical costs, depending on the policy limits.
You should also make a claim through the car insurance of the driver at fault for any liability coverage they carry and also the uninsured motorist coverage on your personal car policy. These insurance policies can reimburse your medical expenses however, they usually come with deductibles, as well as other conditions that you must adhere to. A skilled lawyer can assist you in navigating the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will save you from having to pay your own money on medical treatment and allow you to concentrate on recovering.
Lost wages
Accidents in the car can keep you out of work. You might not be able to pay your bills and suffer a loss of income due to. You may need to take out loans from family members or friends. It could take several months to reach a settlement in your case. 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 be a combination of salary and hourly wages, however it could also include other financial benefits such as increases and bonuses. Your attorney can calculate the exact amount of lost earnings.
You can make a claim for lost wages through a no-fault insurance company or file a lawsuit against the party who is at fault. The claim is typically based on the cost of your medical bills, proof that you missed work due to injuries, as well as documentation of your earnings loss. It is commonly known as demand package.
You'll need an employer's letter to confirm your employment information, including the days you were absent because of your injuries and the hours that you work on a regular basis. You will also need to submit your paystubs and tax documents. Your attorney can assist in obtaining these documents and prepare a compelling demand to present to the insurer or judge in your case.
Pain and suffering
Certain costs associated with an accident can be estimated down to the penny, like medical bills, emergency services surgeries, medications and lost wages. While others aren't. These losses that are not quantifiable are referred to as pain and suffering, and they are an important component of a compensation claim.
Pain and suffering includes both the physical and emotional effects of an accident. The injuries of a victim could have a long-lasting impact on their lives, resulting in permanent disability or even death. A person who suffers a severe head injury, as an example could never be in a position to work or perform normally. These types of injuries can be worth a substantial settlement.
In the majority of cases, the amount and suffering an injured victim suffers is determined by the severity of the injury and the impact it affected their lives. An experienced attorney will research the specifics of your case and decide an appropriate amount for settlement. They will make use of previous settlement amounts for similar accidents injuries as a guide to give you an idea of what your case is worth.
Insurance companies often try to deflect victims of suffering and pain by claiming that their physical or emotional injuries aren't as serious. An experienced lawyer can resist these tactics and negotiate on behalf of you with the insurer to ensure that you receive an honest settlement.