How Much Is Your
auto accidents Accident Compensation Worth?
Damages from car accidents are intended to compensate victims for their losses. Some of these include the cost of property damage and medical bills, whereas others aren't, such as 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 could endanger your case. Evidence may be lost over time or destroyed. Witnesses could forget important information.
Damages
In the event of a car crash victims may be compensated for economic losses such as medical bills or lost wages. In addition, they can be awarded compensation for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. However, how much your claim is worth depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
A skilled
auto accident attorney can help you determine the worth of your injuries and property damage, and negotiate with the insurance company for an equitable settlement. Remember that insurance companies exist to make a profit. This means they will attempt to settle your claim for as little as they can. Therefore, you require an attorney who understands how to fight for the maximum amount of money you are entitled to.
You may also be eligible to claim compensation if you have personal items that were damaged during the accident. Jewelry, clothing, and shoes are all included. You can also receive compensation for expenses relating to household chores, gardening or childcare, if you can't do these things due to injuries.
Your deductible is also part of the equation when determining how the value of your claim is. You must first pay your deductible before the insurance company starts to pay for the damages. You may then make a claim against the driver who is at fault in order to recover the remaining amount of your damages.
Medical bills
The medical costs resulting from a crash in a vehicle can quickly add up. The average cost of an ambulance ride, a hospital stay, and inpatient care can be tens of thousand dollars or more. In addition, the cost for prescription drugs, physical therapy and other treatments can increase as the accident victim is able to recover.
When an individual driver is found to be at fault in a lawsuit they are liable for the victim's damages, which includes medical expenses. The law doesn't require that the at-fault party pay for the medical expenses of their victim on regular basis.
If you don't reside in the state of no-fault your first step in receiving compensation for medical bills is to apply for PIP coverage (personal injury protection). The insurance coverage can cover all or the majority of your medical expenses, dependent on the policy limits.
You must also file claims against the liability insurance of the driver at fault, and also your own uninsured driver policy. These policies may pay for medical expenses, but they typically come with deductibles or other conditions. A lawyer with experience will assist you through the process of obtaining medical bills paid. This will enable you to not spend your income on medical bills and concentrate on your recovery.
Loss of wages
Accidents in the car can keep you out of work. This can leave you without a source of income and struggling to pay your bills. You may have to borrow money from relatives or friends. A settlement could take months. In that time, you must continue to pay your bills from your own pocket and then wait for the settlement.
A claim for lost wages may help you recover the money you would have earned if not for the injuries sustained in your car accident. This can include hourly earnings and salary, but can also include other financial advantages such as bonuses and raises. Your lawyer can assist you determine your loss of earnings.
You can make a claim for lost wages through a non-fault insurance company or a lawsuit against the party at fault. The claim will usually include your medical bills, evidence of work missed due to your injuries, as well as the evidence of your loss in earnings capacity. This is sometimes known as the demand package.
You'll need to submit 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 typically work. You'll also need to provide your pay stubs and tax documents. Your lawyer can assist you in assembling these documents and prepare a compelling demand to present to the insurance company or judge in your case.
Suffering and pain
Some expenses associated with an accident can be calculated to the penny, for example, emergency services, medical costs and surgeries, medication and lost wages. While others aren't. The unquantifiable damages are referred to as pain and suffering and play an important element of a victim's compensation claim.
The emotional and physical effects of an accident are as a result of suffering and pain. The injuries sustained by a victim can have a lasting effect on their life that can cause permanent disabilities, or even death. For example, an injured victim who suffers a debilitating brain injury might never be able to get back to normal functioning. These kinds of injuries can be worth a large settlement.
In most instances, the amount of pain 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 examine the specifics of your case to determine the appropriate settlement. They will consider previous settlement amounts for similar injuries to give you an idea of what your case may be worth in terms of suffering and pain.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to discredit victims with claims of suffering and pain by claiming that their emotional or physical injuries aren't as serious. A knowledgeable lawyer will stand up to these tactics and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you get an appropriate settlement.