If you were injured in a car accident, your medical bills are most likely expensive and you may have missed work for weeks or months while recovering from injuries. One of your major questions might be how much compensation you can receive from the negligent driver who caused your accident. Understanding the types of compensation you could be entitled to can help you return to a more normal way of life.
Include These Types of Compensation in Your Settlement Offer
The good news is that your case may involve more types of compensation – and a larger settlement – than you realize. Any of the following might apply in your case:
Medical expenses and care.
You could be entitled to reimbursement for doctor visits, diagnostic tests, medications, ambulance bills, and physical therapy. Additionally, you might also receive compensation for health aids such as crutches or assistive home aids, in-home medical care, and transportation and lodging expenses if you have to travel to receive medical care.
Lost wages and work benefits.
In addition to a settlement for lost past and future wages, there are other work-related benefits that are potentially recoverable. These include vacation and sick time, bonuses, promotions, and commissions. In addition, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity damages if you can no longer perform your job and must make a career change, or if you are permanently disabled.
Vehicle repairs.
This can include not only the cost to repair your vehicle, but also the cost for towing expenses and car rental.
Property damages.
If any of your property – such as a computer or cellphone – was damaged in the accident, ask for compensation in your settlement demand.
Pain and suffering.
This category of damages is to compensate you for the physical and emotional trauma you suffered and for how your injuries have limited your day-to-day activities. This can be harder to calculate because it is not based on any out-of-pocket expenses. An experienced car accident attorney will understand how to value this important element of your claim.
Loss of consortium.
In a wrongful death action where a family member was killed, his or her spouse and other close family members may be entitled to damages for the loss of society and companionship from the deceased victim.
When preparing for your request for compensation, make sure to organize all your paperwork and provide detailed descriptions.