Personal Injury Damages and Auto Accident Claims
After a collision, the injured party must file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pursue compensation for their accident-related expenses.
Damages an accident victim may be entitled to collect can include:
Medical Costs
Any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
This can include:
- Hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Doctor’s appointments
- Medication
- Ambulance fees
- Tests
- Surgeries
- In-home services
And other medical costs.
Lost Wages
If you suffered serious injuries that prevent you from returning to work you can recover compensation for lost wages. You may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity if the injuries you suffered prevent you from returning to work or force you to change careers.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged as a result of the accident, you can recover compensation to repair or replace your vehicle. Additionally, if any personal property inside the vehicle, such as your phone, laptop, etc, were damaged, you may also be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of damaged personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
Lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses are damages that can easily be calculated. Non-economic damages do not have a precise dollar amount and can be challenging to calculate.
Pain and suffering are some of the most common types of non-economic damages accident victims pursue. The compensation an accident victim can obtain for pain and suffering often depends on the severity of the injuries they sustained, how the injuries have affected their life and their prognosis.
Other types of non-economic damages can include:
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
And more.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident that was caused by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of comfort, companionship, and love
- Loss of advice, service, support
- Loss of household income
- Mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills up to the date of death
How Much Are Car Accident Claims Worth?
The average settlement for an auto accident can vary widely, depending on:
- The severity of the injuries
- Whether multiple parties were involved
- The level of fault
- Insurance coverage
- How much time was missed at work
- The accident victim’s prognosis
- Whether the accident victim sustained a permanent injury
And many other variables.
Why You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
During this difficult time, a car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process. They can also take over every aspect of the claim, including valuing your damages. An experienced car accident lawyer will consult with experts to ensure you pursue every penny of compensation you’re owed. This is especially important if you suffered life-changing injuries. A car accident lawyer will not only accurately value your claim, but they will also take on the insurance company and will not back down until you have recovered the settlement you’re owed.
