You know the other driver is at fault and you also know they were insured, but what you don't know is how much money you should expect as a result of the wreck. If you were injured at all, you probably had to miss some work. That, along with the lack of transportation because of your wrecked vehicle means that it's only natural to think about getting some compensation. Read on to learn about what you can get paid for and how much you can expect.
It's all about damages
This term will become important to you as you navigate through the personal injury process. Obviously, it applies to your physical injuries, but a car wreck will leave you with plenty of other kinds of losses. Each loss is a separate category that will be added up to form either a settlement offer or a court judgment. You can think of damages as putting a price on every way the wreck has impacted your life. Here some common forms of damages you might see in an auto accident.
Medical Treatments
With medical care being so expensive, this particular category of damages may be one of the highest in dollar amounts. Even the most minor of accidents could mean thousands of dollars of medical expenses, but in most cases, you are covered by insurance. For issues that the insurance carrier is reluctant to cover, such as future medical expenses, you may need to seek legal action.
Lost Wages
When you are too hurt to work, your usual budgetary plans will no longer work so well. Even if you are lucky enough to have some paid time off benefits, do you really want to miss out on a family vacation because you got hit by a careless driver? Fortunately, every penny you lose in lost wages has the potential to be returned to you if you file a personal injury case. You can expect to be paid for:
1. Time in the hospital
2. Recuperation time at home or at a rehabilitation center
3. Time spent filling prescriptions and attending physical therapy and doctor's appointments, including your commute time and expenses.
4. Time spent dealing with your wrecked car
Vehicle Loss or Repair
The amount available depends on the age of your wrecked vehicle and other factors, but you should be able to have it repaired or be provided with funds to purchase a like replacement. A personal injury attorney will come in handy if the insurance carrier balks at replacing a brand new or collectible car.
Pain and Suffering
This category sums up the inconvenience, stress and general discomfort caused by the wreck and the payment for it is based on the dollar amount of your medical bills. This amount is used in a calculation to form a total dollar amount.
Some of the above forms of damages are the norm with insurance payments, so get the full amount you are entitled to by speaking with a personal injury lawyer.
