How Much Is Your Auto Accident Compensation Worth?
Damages caused by car accidents are aimed to compensate victims for their losses. Some of these include costs of property damage and medical bills, while others are non-economic, like pain and suffering.
In New York you have three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. But, if you wait too long can hurt your case. In time, evidence may be lost or destroyed, and witnesses may forget key details.
Damages
In the event of a car crash, victims can receive compensation for their economic losses, such as medical bills or lost wages. Additionally, they may be compensated for non-economic damages, such as suffering and pain. The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on how serious your injuries are and the impact they have on your life.
A skilled auto accident lawyer can assist you in determining the value of your injuries and damage to property, and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. Insurance companies are in the business of making money. They will do everything they can to settle your claim for as little as possible. You need an attorney who knows how to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of money you deserve.
In addition to the expense of repairing your vehicle, you may also be eligible to claim compensation for any personal items that were damaged during the collision. Jewelry, clothes, and shoes are all covered. You can also receive compensation for the costs of gardening, housekeeping or childcare if cannot do these tasks by yourself due your injuries.
When determining the value of your claim, your deductible will also be considered. You will have to first pay your deductible before the insurance company starts to cover the cost of damages. You could then sue the driver responsible for any remaining damages.
Medical bills
The medical bills that result of a car accident could quickly grow. The average price for an ambulance ride, hospital stay and inpatient care can be the tens of thousands of dollars or more. The cost of prescription medication as well as physical therapy and other treatments can rise as the accident victim recovers.
The driver at fault is accountable for the cost of a victim's loss, including medical expenses, when they are found liable in the course of a lawsuit. However the law does not usually require an at-fault party to pay the victim's medical bills on a regular basis.
If you do not live in a state that is a no-fault state, your first step for getting compensation for medical bills is to apply for PIP coverage (personal injury protection). The coverage could cover all or the majority of your medical expenses according to the limits of your policy.
You must also file an claim against the liability coverage of the driver who is at fault, as well as your own uninsured driver policy. Insurance policies may pay the medical expenses you incur, although they often come with deductibles and other terms that you must adhere to. A skilled lawyer can assist you to navigate the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will allow you to avoid spending your own income on medical expenses and instead focus on your recovery.
Lost wages
Car accident injuries could keep you out of work. You might not be able to pay your bills, and lose income due to. You may need to borrow money from friends or family. It could take a long time to reach a settlement in your case. In that time, you will be required to continue paying your bills out of your own pocket and wait for the settlement.
You may be able to recover lost wages if you have been injured in a car accident. This could include hourly wages and salary, but can also include other financial benefits like raises and bonuses. Your lawyer can help you calculate your actual loss of earnings.
You can either file a claim with an insurer with no fault or claim the person at fault for lost wages. The typical claim will involve medical expenses, proof that you were unable to work due to your injuries, and a record of your lost earning capacity. It is sometimes known as the demand package.
You'll need to submit a written statement from your employer that confirms the particulars of your work, including the days that you were absent because of your injury, as well as the hours you normally work. You will need to provide your paystubs and tax documents and other relevant documents. Your attorney can assist you in obtaining these documents and making a compelling request to give to the insurance company or judge in your case.
Suffering and pain
While some of the costs associated with accidents can be estimated to the penny -- such as emergency services, medical bills, surgery costs, medications and lost wages, there are other expenses that cannot be quantified. These unquantifiable losses are known as pain and suffering and are an essential component of a compensation claim.
Both the physical and emotional consequences of an accident can be included in pain and suffering. auto accident attorney albany of a victim can have a lasting effect on their life which can lead to permanent disabilities or even death. For instance, a victim who suffers a debilitating brain injury could never be able to work or function normally again. These types of injuries often warrant a large settlement.
In most cases, the amount of suffering and pain the victim endures is contingent on the severity of their injuries as well as how it has affected their life. An experienced attorney will examine the details of your case to determine the appropriate settlement. They will use the previous settlement amounts for similar accidents injuries as a guideline to give you an idea of how much your case is worth.
Insurance companies try to undermine the claims of victims of suffering and pain, by claiming their injuries are not enough severe. A knowledgeable lawyer can stand up to these tactics and negotiate on behalf of you with the insurance company to ensure that you get an honest settlement.