What Types of Damages Are Included in Accident Compensation? Insurance companies are extremely adept at reducing your compensation following an accident. They might inquire about your injuries or claim that you are at fault. Do not let them pressure you to settle. Gather as much information as possible including medical records, police reports witness testimony, photographs of the wreckage, and much more. Medical expenses Medical expenses are an important component of any claim for accident. This category of damages covers a wide range of medical-related expenses, including hospital bills, doctor's appointments ambulance bills, prescriptions, and other healthcare expenses related to injuries suffered in an accident. It can also include additional expenses like physical therapy or following-up care to ensure a victim's injuries are fully healed. The expenses must be documented and they should be included in any request for an accident settlement. The insurance company will examine the expenses to determine if they are reasonable and needed. It is based on the kind of accident that occurred and the severity of the injuries. For example when a person's accident required the amputation of a limb, they would likely require more ongoing medical rehabilitation and treatment than someone who sprained their ankle in the course of a fall. Generally speaking, insurance companies will reimburse an injured person for their medical expenses as they come in. This is because they don't expect the person who is injured to pay out-of-pocket for their medical treatment on a regular basis. The insurance company anticipates that the costs will be paid through their accident compensation payment. Many people have health insurance that covers the majority or all of their medical bills, but some do not. If the insurance of a person injured in a car accident does not cover all their medical expenses the victim may be able to file for personal injury protection benefits (PIP) through their auto insurance. These benefits can cover the first hospital visit of a patient as well as any ambulance or emergency room charges they incur. In the majority of cases, an accident victim's health insurance will cover any remaining medical costs after the other insurance has been exhausted. Hospitals may require patients to sign a lien which grants the hospital the right to claim any personal injury settlements due. Certain drivers also have "med-pay" coverage in their insurance policies which covers medical expenses up to a specific amount, like $10,000. In this scenario the car insurance will cover any medical expenses they incur up to the limit for med pay and then request reimbursement from the settlement of their accident for any remaining balance. Suffering and pain Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that may be awarded in a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. They are designed to compensate you for the emotional and physical trauma that you have experienced due to the accident. These damages are more difficult to quantify than medical expenses or lost wages but can be equally devastating. Your lawyer may use various methods to estimate your pain and suffering. They could ask for specifics regarding how your injuries affected you and whether they will last for a long time effect. They could also ask for detailed medical documentation of your injuries, photos of the wreckage and other physical evidence that can help in your case. Physical injuries resulting from an accident can be painful and can last for weeks, days, months or even the rest of your life. They can impact your daily routine, causing you to avoid certain activities or even alter your routine. In addition to physical pain, accidents often cause emotional distress and mental anxiety as well. This is referred to as mental anguish in Florida law and can manifest as various symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, shock, grief, fear and anger. The more evidence you can present regarding the negative effects of your injuries the greater likelihood that an insurance company, juror or judge will pay you for pain and suffering. You should collect as much information on the accident as you can, including police reports, medical records and photos of the scene, as well as testimony from witnesses. It is crucial to realize that there is no established amount for pain and suffering and other damages. This means that your attorney will need to gather all the evidence necessary to prove the value of your claim. Prepare yourself for a deposition, where the attorney representing you will inquire about your injuries and how it has impacted your life. Be ready to answer in a clear truthful, honest and logical way to maximize the settlement. A good lawyer will prepare you with the necessary information to make a convincing and strong case. Property damaged Car accidents can also cause destruction to the property of the victim. If you can prove you were a victim of negligence caused by another person in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for property damage. This includes restitution of the value of your vehicle and other personal items. This is known as economic damages. This amount covers all expenses you've incurred as a result of the accident. It is essential to keep track of all the costs you incur due to damage to your property following an accident. You should have bills and receipts that detail the exact price of each item. These documents will be required when you file a claim for damage to your property with the at-fault driver's insurance company. It is also an excellent idea to take photographs of the scene of the crash and any damage that you may have suffered. This will help you obtain the most money in property damage compensation that you can get. A common mistake people make is to undervalue the value of their property damaged. It is important to have an expert appraise the value of your property in order that you don't miss out on important property damage compensation. Your lawyer can assist in obtaining a precise appraisal of your property, and assist you in the filing of your claim. It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as you can to report the accident. This will ensure that you meet the insurance company's deadline for filing a claim for property damage. It will also give you the opportunity to challenge the value of your property if you do not agree with the insurer's decision. A car accident can be an emotional experience that can change lives in a flash. The emotional and financial effects can be devastating for the victims and their families. https://vimeo.com/709642740 is imperative to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after you've been hurt by a car crash. This will help you get the compensation you are due. Loss of wages Missing out on a paycheck can be a huge blow to anyone living paycheck-to-paycheck. It can be even more difficult when you are unable to return to work right away. Many people have to take sick leave, vacation pay or PTO in order to stay at 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 saved to cover you until you are back at work. When you claim lost wages you're seeking reimbursement for money you've been missing out on due to your injury. If you are able to return to work in a limited capacity, for example, light duty, you could still be owed money for the difference between your wage prior to the accident and the lower rate you now earn. This includes any overtime or performance bonuses you could have received. The proof of the loss must be submitted with your claim, for example paystubs or other forms of wage documentation. You may also provide other documents such as invoices, profit and loss statement and more. The loss of wages is a kind of specific damages that need to be proven in order to be granted. This differs from general damages that are based on what the law "presumes", and don't require a lot of evidence. It is also important to remember that you may have missed the chance to earn future income is a factor in your claim for lost wages. This is referred to as lost earning capacity, and it is determined by an expert. In New York, the at-fault driver's insurance company has to reimburse you for any lost wages or income (as as long as you've filed a valid claim within thirty days and your own doctor declares that you are not able to work). Your auto insurance policy can cover up to $2000 per month for up to three years until you are capable of returning to work.