Experiencing a car accident can be traumatic. Following the accident, you will usually visit a doctor, ensure your vehicle is repaired, and speak with your insurance company. A burning question you will most likely have following an accident is how much you can expect from your claim.
There are various factors to consider when determining the value of your claim. Insurance companies will look at how severe your injuries are, how soon you can return to work, and which party is more responsible for the accident. If you find yourself a little confused as to how to assess your claim, we’re here to make things a little clearer. Here is how you get an accurate picture of the value of your car accident claim.
Injuries
The nature and severity of your injuries will affect how much you can claim. The more severe the injuries are, the higher the value of your claim will be. Your chances of a full recovery also have an effect on your claim. If you are left with a permanent injury or a disability, this increases the amount of compensation you can claim for.
Medical Expenses
Compensation for medical damages is usually the biggest cost that your claim covers. This includes all expenses incurred since the accident and any future costs. You can seek compensation for the cost of emergency transposition, doctors, tests, and surgeries. Almost any medical expense can be put forward to claim compensation.
To have supporting documents for your claim, keep track of all your medical expenses and file them away. You will need to present this later on. If you have spoken to your doctor about future costs, ensure that this information is sent to you in a letter, so you can provide this as evidence. You can also claim the costs of going to and from doctor’s appointments, which you should also keep track of, as well as taking pictures or keep hold of petrol receipts, train or bus tickets.
Loss Of Earnings
You can claim compensation for any lost wages. This includes wages you’ve missed out on since the accident as well as any future wages. If the injuries are so severe that you may not work for the foreseeable future, this can also be put forward in the claim.
You can claim not only lost wages but on lost vacation time, bonuses, and even commissions. Generally, you can file a claim for whatever work-related benefit you missed due to the accident.
Property Damage
If your property has suffered damage due to the accident, make sure you receive compensation for this. Collect the value of the property, the extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs. If your car is damaged, the negligent party’s insurance company will usually pay for the repairs of the cost of the car. The lawyers over at www.joyelawfirm.com suggest checking to see how much liability your current insurance covers. If the car is totaled the insurance company will usually pay for the market value of the car at the time of the accident.
Other factors that will affect this payment include the condition of the car, the car’s features, and any recent maintenance on the car. Collate documentation illustrating the damages and any features which enhance the value of the car. Have a qualified mechanic take a look as you may need to give the insurance company repair estimates. This will help you get the amount you deserve.
Home Modification
If your injuries are severe, and you have had to spend several weeks in the hospital, going home is a relief. However, your injuries may limit your movement and your level of accessibility. You may need to modify your home especially if you have a permanent injury.
These modification costs can be claimed for, and this can include the construction of a wheelchair ramp or installing handrails in the home.
Pain and Suffering
As with the above, damages in this instance can also be claimed for both past and future. It is a lot more challenging to accurately estimate the value of the pain and suffering you have experienced. This is because of its intangibility. Instead, you may consider working with your therapist or doctor to accurately determine your mental wellbeing prior to the accident and after. The comparison should provide a clearer picture of the claim.
Many suffer from psychological injuries following a car accident. This is because car accidents are traumatic experiences that can leave a long-lasting effect on the victim. These intellectual injuries can manifest in different ways for different people and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to determining how much someone has suffered.
Assessing your car accident claim doesn’t require a lot of expertise but is important for you to receive the correct compensation. A car accident can be a major traumatic event in a person’s life. If you are in this position, be kind to yourself and seek the compensation you deserve. Ensure you organize yourself well, so you are able to file a strong claim.