Car accident victims often suffer from physical injuries and mental stress in addition to financial burdens from expensive medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Lost Wages
After a car accident, your injuries may restrict your working abilities, or cause you to miss work entirely, therefore surrendering your earning capacity.
Any result of the accident that causes you to miss work and lose your usual wages, whether it is physical therapy, hospitalization, long-term injuries, or permanent disabilities, should be factored into your settlement offer.
In order to be justly compensated though, you must be able to prove that your restrictive injuries are a direct result of the accident and they have caused you to lose your ability to earn money.
A letter from your employer will also be required, stating your salary and hours you missed, but would have worked if it had not been for the accident and injury.
Medical Expenses
If you are in an automobile accident you may suffer many injuries. Some injuries may be minor, but some may be severe.
Whether you have cuts and bruises or suffer from paralysis or another permanent disability, an attorney can help you!
Immediately after an accident, it is critical to your health and your case that you undergo a full medical examination. You may not realize you are hurt at first, because of the release of adrenaline, so see a doctor as soon as possible.
It is essential that a medical record be created for your case, so the insurance company is unable to refute any injuries you may be suing for.
Some of the most common medical expenses victims have to deal with after a collision include,
- Physical Therapy
- Cognitive Therapy
- Ambulance Fees
- Doctor Consultations
- Medical Supplies (crutches)
- Permanent Disability Costs
- In-Home Care Services
- On-Going Care and Treatments
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is money awarded because your injuries and losses caused you to lose some of your quality of life. It is legally defined as physical or mental distress.
The amount paid usually depends on the type and severity of the injury the victim suffered and the seriousness of the pain and financial burden.
Pain and suffering settlement offers can also include the emotional damage that stems from the accident, like anxiety.
In some instances, pain and suffering damages can even include a loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage
Property damage most commonly includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. This category can also include property that was in the vehicle or on the vehicle and was consequently damaged in the crash. After an insurance adjuster estimates the cost of the damage, your attorney can include that in the settlement offer.
Out of Pocket Expenses
These expenses are usually miscellaneous costs that you find yourself paying because of the accident. They can include rental cars, taxis, parking tickets at the hospital, and even over the counter medical supplies.
If you were required to pay for something that you normally would not have had to pay if you weren’t involved in the accident, then your attorney can include it as an out of pocket expense in your settlement offer.