What Types of Damages Are Included in Accident Compensation? Insurance companies are often highly adept at reducing compensation you receive after an accident. They may doubt the severity of your injuries, or even suggest that you were at fault. Do not let them pressure you into settling. Collect as much information as you can including medical reports, police reports, witness testimony, photos of the wreckage, and more. Medical expenses Medical expenses are an important element of any claim for compensation. This category of damages includes many medical-related costs like hospital bills and doctor visits, ambulance expenses prescriptions, and other medical costs relating to injuries sustained in an incident. This category of damages can also include extra costs such as physical therapy and follow-up treatment to ensure that a victim's injury is completely healed. These expenses must be documented and incorporated in any accident settlement request. The insurance company will evaluate them to determine if they're appropriate and necessary. This can vary depending on the nature of the accident and the extent of the injuries. For example, if a person's injury required an limb to be removed the person will likely require more ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation as opposed to someone who fractured their ankle in the course of a fall. In general, an insurance company will pay the injured person's medical bills immediately upon arrival. The reason is that they don't anticipate the person who is injured to pay for their medical treatment regularly. The insurance company believes that the expenses will be covered through the accident compensation payment. Many people have health insurance that covers the majority or all of their medical expenses, but some do not. If a victim of a crash does not have enough coverage to cover their medical expenses, they can often apply for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits through their auto insurer. These benefits pay for a victim's initial hospital visit and any emergency room or ambulance expenses they incur. In most cases, the accident victim's medical insurance will pay any remaining costs after all other insurances have been exhausted. Hospitals may require patients to sign a lien, which gives the hospital the right to collect any personal injury settlements owed. Some drivers also have "med-pay" coverage in their insurance policies, which pays for their medical expenses up to a certain amount, such as $10,000. In this scenario, an accident victim's car insurance will pay for any medical bills they accumulate up to the med pay limit and then request reimbursement from their accident settlement for any balance. Pain and suffering The pain and suffering of others are non-economic damages that can be awarded in an injury lawsuit filed against the person responsible for the accident. These damages are meant to provide you with compensation for any physical or emotional trauma you may have suffered due to the accident. They are more difficult to quantify than medical bills or lost wages, however they can be equally devastating. Your lawyer may employ various methods to determine the worth of your pain and suffering. They may ask for details about how your injuries have affected you and if they will have a long-lasting impact. They may also request specific medical documentation regarding your injuries, photos of the wreckage as well as other evidence of physical nature that could aid in proving your case. Physical injuries that result from an accident can be painful and can last for weeks, days months, or even for a lifetime. They can disrupt your daily routine and cause you to avoid certain activities, or even alter your life. Accidents can trigger mental anguish and emotional distress as well as physical pain. This is referred to as mental anguish in Florida law and can include a myriad of symptoms including anxiety, depression, sadness, fear, grief, and rage. The more evidence that you can provide about the negative effects of your injuries the more likely it is that an insurance company an arbitrator or judge will compensate you for the pain and suffering. It is crucial to collect all the information you can on the accident and your injuries like police reports, medical records, pictures of the scene as well as witness testimonies. It is essential to know that there is not a specific amount for pain, suffering and other damages. This means that your lawyer will need to gather the most evidence possible to demonstrate the worth of your claim. Prepare yourself for a deposition in which the attorney representing you will inquire about your accident and how it has affected your life. Prepare to answer the question honestly with clarity and facts to maximize the settlement. A competent lawyer will train you for this in order to make a strong and convincing case. Property Damage Car accidents can also cause damages to the property of the person who was injured. If you are able to prove that you were in some way a direct or indirect victim of someone else's negligence in a car crash then you could be entitled to compensation for property damage. This includes the cost of your vehicle as well as other personal items. This compensation is called economic damages. https://vimeo.com/709630224 covers all out-of-pocket expenses that you've incurred because of the accident. It is important to keep track all of the expenses you incur for property damage that results from an accident. Keep receipts and bills that reveal the exact cost of each item. These documents will be required when you make an insurance claim for property damage with the driver at fault's insurer. It is also good to take photos of the scene of the crash and any damage you might have suffered. This can help you get the most amount of property damage compensation possible. Many people make the error of underestimating the value of their damaged property. It is recommended that you have an expert appraise your property to ensure you don't lose out on valuable compensation for damage to your property. Your lawyer can assist you in obtaining an accurate appraisal of your property, as well as assist you with the filing of your claim. It is an excellent idea to contact your insurance provider and report the accident immediately. This will ensure you meet the insurance company's deadline for filing a claim for property damage. This will allow you to have more time to decide if you disagree with the insurance company regarding the value of your property. A car accident is an traumatic event that can change lives in an instant. The emotional and financial effects for victims and their family members can be devastating. If you have been injured in a car crash it is imperative to speak with an experienced attorney immediately to help get the compensation you deserve. Lost wages Missing out on a paycheck can be a huge blow to anyone living paycheck-to-paycheck. It can be even more difficult if you are unable to return to your job immediately. Many people are forced to utilize sick leave, vacation pay or PTO to remain home and heal from injuries sustained in a car accident. These benefits are available only in the event that you have sufficient funds saved or if you have a job that allows them. When you claim lost wages you're seeking reimbursement for money you've been missing out due to your accident. If you are able to return to work however, only in limited capacity (such as light duty) it is possible that you owe money for the difference in your earnings prior to the accident as well as the rate you are earning now. This includes any bonuses for performance or overtime you may have received. Proof of these losses is required with your claim, such as paystubs or other forms of wage documentation. You may also submit other documents like invoices, profit-and-loss statement and more. The loss of wages is an exceptional loss that has to be proved before it can be granted. This is different from general damages that are based upon what the law "presumes", and don't require much evidence. Remember that the loss of future earnings is included in your claim. This is referred to as lost earning capacity, which evaluates the effects of your injuries on your ability to do your job. It is typically determined by a professional. In New York, the at-fault insurance provider for the driver must reimburse you for your loss of income or wages (as as long as you've filed a valid claim within thirty days and your doctor indicates that you can't work). Your car insurance policy will also provide up to $2000 per month for up to three years, to cover you until you are able to return to work.