What Types of Damages Are Included in Accident Compensation? Insurance companies are often adept at reducing the amount of compensation you receive after an accident. https://vimeo.com/709519700 may inquire about your injuries or claim that you are at fault. Don't let them force you to settle. Gather as much information as you can, including medical records, police reports witness testimony, photographs of the wreckage, and more. Medical expenses Medical expenses are an essential component of any accident compensation claim. This category of damages covers many medical-related costs such as hospital charges doctors' visits, ambulance expenses prescriptions, and other medical expenses related to injuries sustained in an accident. This category of damages could also include extra expenses such as physical therapy and follow up treatment to ensure the injury is fully healed. The expenses must be documented and they should be included in any request for an accident settlement. The insurance company will review them to determine if they're reasonable and essential, which will vary based on the nature of the accident and the extent of the person's injuries. If someone had to have a limb removed because of their injury, they will likely require more ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation than someone who had an ankle sprain during the course of a fall. In general, insurance companies reimburses an injured person's medical bills immediately upon arrival. The reason is that they don't want to see the injured person pay for their medical expenses regularly. The insurance company believes that the expenses will be paid through their accident compensation payment. A lot of people have health insurance that covers all or all of their medical expenses however, some people do not. If a car accident victim's insurance doesn't cover all of their medical expenses the victim may be able to claim personal injury protection benefits (PIP) through their auto insurer. These benefits pay for the initial hospitalization of a person and any emergency room or ambulance charges they pay for. In most cases, a victim's health insurance will pay any remaining medical costs following the time their other insurance has been exhausted. However, hospitals may request that patients sign a lien form that gives them the right to recover the amount they are due from an injury settlement. Additionally, some motorists have "med pay" coverage in their car policies, which covers medical expenses up to a specified amount of money for example, $10,000. In this instance, an accident victim's car insurance will cover any medical expenses they incur up to the med-pay limit and then seek reimbursement from their settlement for any remaining balance. Pain and suffering Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that may be awarded in a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused your accident. These damages are meant to compensate you for any emotional or physical trauma you've suffered because of your accident. They are harder to quantify than medical bills or lost wages, however they can be equally devastating. Your lawyer could employ a variety of methods to calculate the value of your suffering and pain. They might request details about how your injuries affected you and if they will have a lasting impact. They can also request detailed medical documentation detailing your injuries as well as photos of the wreckage and other evidence of physical nature that could aid in proving your case. Accidental injuries can be painful and last for days or even months. They can impact your daily routine and cause you to avoid certain activities or even change your lifestyle. In addition to physical pain, accidents can cause emotional distress and mental anxiety as well. This is referred to as mental anguish under Florida law and can manifest as a myriad of symptoms which include depression, anxiety anger, fear, grief and rage. The more evidence you can provide about the negative consequences of your injuries, the greater chance an insurance company or judge will award you compensation for pain and suffering. It is important to gather all the information you can regarding the accident and the injuries you sustained like police reports, medical records images of the scene and witness testimonies. It is crucial to realize that there isn't a set amount for pain, suffering and other damages. This means that your attorney will need to gather the most evidence possible to show the value of your claim. Prepare yourself for a deposition, where the attorney representing you will ask you questions regarding your injury and how it has impacted your life. Prepare to answer honestly, clearly and with facts to maximize your settlement. A good lawyer will train you for this, so that you can build a strong and convincing case. Property Damage In addition to physical injuries, car accidents often cause damage to victims' property. If you can prove that you were in some way an indirect or direct victim of another's negligence in a car accident, then you could be entitled to compensation for property damage. This includes a reimbursement of the value of your vehicle and other personal items. This compensation is referred to as economic damages. This amount covers all expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident. It is essential to keep track all of the costs you incur for property damage after an accident. Keep receipts and bills that reveal the exact cost of each item. These documents will be required if you submit a claim for property damage with the insurance company of the driver at fault. company. You should also take photos of any damage that you might be able to sustain and the accident scene. This will allow you to get the maximum amount of property damage compensation. Many people make the mistake of underestimating the worth of their damaged properties. You should have an expert appraise your property to ensure you don't miss out on valuable compensation for damage to your property. Your lawyer can help you determine the value of the property and assist in submitting your claim. It is recommended to contact your insurance company and report the incident immediately. This will ensure that you're in compliance with the insurance company's deadline for filing a claim for property damage. This will give you more time in case you do not agree with the insurer regarding the value of your property. A car accident is a traumatic event that can alter your life in an instant. The emotional and financial consequences for victims and their family members can be devastating. It is essential to contact a lawyer immediately if you have been injured by a car crash. This will assist you get the money you deserve. Lost wages Missing out on a paycheck can be a huge blow to anyone living paycheck-to-paycheck. And it's even worse in the event that you're unable to return to work as soon as possible. Many people have to utilize sick leave, vacation pay or PTO to stay home and recover from their injuries from a car crash. However, these benefits are only granted if the employer allows them or if you have enough savings to cover your expenses until you are back at work. When you claim lost wages you're seeking reimbursement for the amount you've missed out on due to an accident. If you're able back to work, but only in the capacity you are able to use (such as light duty) You could still be liable for the difference in your wage before the accident and the rate you are earning now. This includes any overtime or performance bonuses you would have received. You must provide proof of the loss, such as pay stubs as well as other documents related to your wages. Additionally, you can choose to provide other relevant documents, such as profit-and-loss statements, invoices and more. Loss of wages are a specific type of damage that needs to be proved before it can be granted. This is distinct from general damages that are determined by what the law "presumes" should flow from the accident, but do not require as much evidence. It is also important to keep in mind that you may have missed the chance to earn a future income could be included in your claim for lost wages. This is referred to as lost earning capacity, and it is determined by a professional. In New York, if you file a valid claim within the first 30 days and your doctor confirms that you're not able to work, then the insurance company of the driver at fault must pay for your lost earnings or wages. Your auto insurance policy will provide you with up to $2000 per month for up three years until you're able to return to work.