How Much Is Your Auto Accident Compensation Worth?
Car accident damages are meant to compensate victims for their losses. They can include cost of property damage and medical bills, while some are non-economic, like suffering and pain.
In New York you have three years following an accident to make a claim. However, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence may be lost over time or destroyed. Witnesses could not remember important details.
Damages
In the event of a crash, victims can receive compensation for their economic losses, such as medical bills or lost wages. In addition, they can be awarded compensation for non-economic damages such as suffering and pain. The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they'll have on your life.
An experienced attorney for auto accidents can help you determine the value of your injuries and property damage, and then negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. But, keep in mind that insurance companies are in business to make a profit. That means that they will try to settle your claim for as little as possible. You need an attorney who will fight to obtain the maximum amount you're entitled to.
You can also claim compensation if you have personal items that were damaged during the accident. This includes your clothes, shoes and jewelry. You may also receive compensation for costs related to household chores, gardening or childcare, if you can't do these things because of injuries.
Your deductible can also be a part of the equation in determining how much your claim is worth. You will have to pay your deductible first before the insurance company can begin to cover the cost of damages. You may then bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover any remaining sums of your losses.
Medical bills
Medical bills that result from a car accident can quickly add up. The average cost of an ambulance ride, hospital stay and inpatient treatment can reach tens of thousands dollars or more. The cost of prescription medications physical therapy, prescription drugs, and other treatments can rise as the accident victim recovers.
The driver at fault is responsible to pay for the losses of a victim as well as medical expenses when they are found liable in an action. However the law does not normally require the at-fault party to pay a victim's medical bills on a regular basis.
If you do not reside in a state with no-fault laws, the first step for medical bill reimbursement is to apply to your insurance company for auto coverage for PIP (personal injury protection) coverage. This insurance may pay for all or a portion of your medical bills, subject to the policy limits.
auto accident attorney rock hill should also submit a claim to the car insurance of the driver at fault for any liability coverage they carry along with the uninsured motorist coverage of your personal car policy. Insurance policies may pay your medical expenses however, they usually come with deductibles, as well as other conditions which you must follow. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you in navigating the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will avoid having to pay your own money on medical treatment and allows you to focus on your recovery.
Lost wages
Accidents that involve cars can result in you being unable to work. This can leave you without a source of income and unable to pay your bills. You may have to take out loans from family members or friends. It could take months to settle your case. In the meantime, you'll have to pay your bills yourself and wait for the settlement.
A claim for lost wages may aid in recovering the money you could have earned not to be injured in a car accident. This can include salary and hourly wages, but it could also include other financial benefits like bonus and raises. Your lawyer can help you determine the amount of lost earnings.
You can either make a claim through an insurance company that is no-fault or take action against the party responsible for lost wages. The claim typically involves your medical bills, evidence that you missed work because of your injuries, and a record of your earnings loss. This is sometimes referred to as the demand package.
You will need to provide a letter from your employer providing proof of your employment, which includes the days you were absent due to injuries as well as the hours you typically work. Additionally, you will need to provide your pay stubs and tax documents. Your attorney can assist in gathering these documents as well as preparing a compelling demand to present to the insurer or judge in your case.
Pain and suffering
Certain expenses incurred in an accident can be calculated to the penny, like medical bills, emergency services and surgeries, medication and lost wages. But others aren't. These losses that are not quantifiable are referred to as pain and suffering and are a crucial component of a compensation claim.
Pain and suffering encompasses both the physical and emotional consequences of an accident. The injuries of a victim could be long-lasting and impact their lives, resulting in permanent impairment or even death. A victim with a debilitating head injury, for instance is likely to never be functional or work normally. These types of injuries typically warrant a large settlement.
In most instances, the amount pain and suffering the victim suffers is determined by the severity of their injuries and how it has affected their life. An experienced lawyer will look into the details of your case to determine the most appropriate settlement. They will use prior settlement amounts for similar accident injuries as a reference to give you an idea of what your case might be worth in terms of pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to undermine victims of pain and suffering by claiming that their emotional or physical injuries are not serious enough. A knowledgeable lawyer can fight back against such tactics and negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company to ensure you get an equitable settlement.