How Much Is Your Auto Accident Compensation Worth?
Damages resulting from car accidents are designed to compensate the victims of the collision. Some of these include the cost of property damage and medical bills, while others are non-economic, like suffering and pain.
In New York you have three years from the time of an accident before you bring a lawsuit. But, if you wait too long can hurt your case. Over time, evidence may be lost or destroyed, witnesses may not remember important details.
Damages
In the event of a car crash, victims can receive compensation for their economic losses, such as medical bills or lost wages. In addition, they could receive compensation for non-economic losses like discomfort and pain. But, how much your claim is worth depends on the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
A skilled auto accident lawyer will help you determine the value of your injuries and damage to property, and then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the insurance company. But, keep in mind that insurance companies are in business to make a profit. This means they will try to settle your claim for as little as they can. You require an attorney who will fight for you to get the maximum amount you're entitled to.
You can also claim compensation if you have personal items damaged in the accident. Jewelry, clothes, and shoes are all included. You can also get compensation for expenses related to gardening, housekeeping or childcare if cannot do these tasks yourself due to your injuries.
Your deductible is also part of the equation in determining how much your claim is worth. You will have to pay your deductible before the insurance company can begin to pay for damages. You can then start a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover any remaining amount of your damages.
Medical bills
The medical costs resulting from a car accident can quickly rise. The cost of an ambulance ride, hospital stay and inpatient treatment can amount to tens of thousands of 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 accountable for the cost of a victim's loss and medical expenses when they are found liable in an action. However the law does not usually require an at-fault party to pay a medical bills of their victim on an ongoing basis.
If you don't live in a state that is a no-fault state the first step for receiving reimbursement for medical expenses is to apply for PIP coverage (personal injury protection). Based on the policy limits it could be able to pay for the majority or all of your medical expenses.
You must also make a claim through the insurance company of the driver at fault for any liability insurance they carry and also the uninsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy. These insurance policies may reimburse the medical expenses you incur however they are usually accompanied with deductibles, as well as other conditions that you must adhere to. A skilled lawyer can assist you to navigate the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will save you from having to spend your personal income on medical expenses, and it will allow you to focus on your recovery.
Loss of wages
Injuries from car accidents can make you unable to work. It is possible that you will not be able pay your bills, and lose income due to. You might need to borrow money from friends or family members. It could take months to settle your case. During this time, you'll be required to pay your bills yourself and wait for the settlement.
A claim for lost wages could assist you in recovering the amount you could have earned not for your car accident injury. This can include hourly earnings and salary, but it could also include other financial benefits such as bonuses and raises. Your attorney can calculate the exact amount of lost earnings.
You can either make a claim through an insurer with no fault or take action against the party responsible for lost wages. The typical claim will involve medical expenses, proof that you were unable to work due to injuries, and a record of your loss of earning capacity. This is often called a demand package.
You will be required to submit a written statement from your employer that confirms the details of your job, including the days that you were absent because of your injury, as well as the hours you typically work. You'll also need to provide your paystubs as well as tax documents. Your attorney can assist you to gather these documents and make a convincing demand form to present to the insurance company or a judge in your case.
Suffering and pain
While some expenses associated with accidents can be estimated to the penny--such as emergency services, medical bills and surgery costs, medication and lost wages, others aren't. These damages that aren't quantifiable are called pain and suffering and are an essential element in a victim's compensation claim.
The term "pain and suffering" refers to both the emotional and physical consequences of an accident. The injuries sustained by victims can have a lasting impact on their lives and cause permanent disabilities, or even death. Someone who has suffered a debilitating head injury, like is likely to never be able to work or function normally. These types of injuries can be worth an enormous settlement.
In most cases, the amount and suffering a victim suffers is determined by the severity of the injury and the impact it had on their life. An experienced lawyer will look into the specifics of your case to determine the appropriate settlement. auto accident law firm pueblo will utilize previous settlement amounts for similar accidents injuries as a guide to provide you with an idea of what your case is worth.
Insurance companies attempt to deny the claims of victims of pain and suffering, by claiming their injuries are not sufficiently severe. An experienced lawyer can fight back against these tactics and negotiate on behalf of you with the insurer to ensure that you get an equitable settlement.