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, whereas others aren't, such as suffering and pain.
In auto accident attorneys indianapolis have three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. But, if you wait too long could endanger your case. Over time, evidence may be lost or destroyed witnesses could forget important details.
Damages
In the case of a car accident victims can be awarded compensation for economic losses such as medical bills or lost wages. In addition, they can receive compensation for damages that are not economic such as discomfort and pain. However, how much your claim will be worth is contingent on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
An experienced attorney for auto accidents can help you determine the worth of your injuries as well as property damage, and then negotiate with the insurance provider for an acceptable settlement. Insurance companies are in the business to make money. This means they will attempt to settle your claim as low as they can. Therefore, you require an attorney who is able to fight for the highest amount you deserve.
You may also be eligible for compensation if you own personal items that were damaged during the accident. Shoes, clothing and jewelry are all covered. You may also receive reimbursement for expenses related to housekeeping, gardening or childcare, if can't do these things because of injuries.
Your deductible can also be a part of the equation when determining much your claim is worth. You will have to pay your deductible first before the insurance company begins paying for damages. You can then file a lawsuit against the driver at fault to recover any remaining amounts of your losses.
Medical bills
Medical bills resulting of a car crash could quickly add up. The cost of an ambulance ride, a hospital stay and inpatient therapy can reach tens of thousands dollars or more. The cost of prescription drugs, physical therapy, and other services can increase as the injured person recovers.
When the driver is found be at fault in a lawsuit, they are responsible for paying the victim's damages including medical costs. However, the law does not generally require an at-fault driver to pay a medical bills of their victim on an ongoing basis.
If you don't live in an area that is no-fault, your first step for receiving compensation for medical bills is to apply for PIP coverage (personal injury protection). The coverage could be able to cover all or a large portion of your medical expenses depending on the policy limits.
You must also file a claim with the insurance policy of the driver who is at fault for any liability insurance they carry along with the uninsured motorist coverage of your personal car policy. These policies could reimburse you for medical expenses, but they typically contain deductibles and other conditions. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you to navigate the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will avoid having to pay your own money for medical treatment and allow you to concentrate on recovering.
Loss of wages
Accidents in the car can prevent you from going to work. You may not be able to pay your bills and lose income as a result. You may have to borrow money from relatives or friends. It could take months to settle your case. In that time, you will have to keep paying the bills from your pocket and wait for your settlement.
You can recover lost wages if you've been injured in a car accident. This could include hourly wages and salary, but can also include other financial benefits such as bonuses and raises. Your lawyer can calculate the exact amount of lost earnings.
You can either make a claim through an insurer with no fault or take action against the party responsible for the loss of wages. The claim is typically based on medical expenses, proof that you were unable to work because of your injuries, and documentation of your earnings loss. This is often called the demand package.
You'll have to submit a written statement from your employer which confirms the specifics of your employment, including the days that you were absent due to your injury, as well as the hours you normally work. Additionally, you will need to submit your pay slips and tax documents. Your attorney can help you gather these documents and then prepare a convincing demand form to present to the insurance company or the judge in your case.
Pain and suffering
While some costs associated with a crash can be calculated to the penny--such as medical bills, emergency services as well as surgery costs, medications and lost wages, there are other expenses that cannot be quantified. These unquantifiable losses are known as suffering and pain and are a crucial part of a victim's compensation claim.
Both the physical and emotional consequences of an accident are as a result of pain and suffering. The injuries suffered by a victim could have a lasting impact on their life, leading to permanent disabilities, or even death. A victim with a debilitating head injury, as an example could never be functional or work normally. These kinds of injuries usually require a substantial settlement.
In the majority of instances, the amount of pain and suffering the victim suffers is determined by the extent of their injuries and how it has affected their lives. An experienced lawyer will investigate the specifics of your case and determine an appropriate amount for settlement. They will use prior settlement amounts for similar accident injuries to give you an idea of what your case might be worth in terms of pain and suffering.
In reality, insurance companies frequently try to deflect victims with claims of suffering and pain by claiming that their emotional or physical injuries are not serious enough. A knowledgeable lawyer can resist such tactics and negotiate on your behalf with the insurer to ensure you get a fair settlement.