How Much Is Your Auto Accident Compensation Worth? Damages from car accidents are intended to compensate victims for their losses. Some of these include costs of property damage, as well as medical bills, while some aren't economic, such as pain and suffering. In New York, you have up to three years to pursue legal action following a crash, but waiting too long can harm your case. Evidence can disappear over time or destroyed. Witnesses may forget important details. Damages In the case of a car accident victims may receive compensation for their economic losses such as medical bills or lost wages. In addition, they could receive compensation for damages that are not economic like pain and discomfort. However, how much your claim will be worth is contingent on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. An experienced attorney for auto accidents can help you determine the worth of your injuries and property damage, and negotiate with the insurance company for an equitable settlement. But, keep in mind that insurance companies exist to make a profit. This means that they'll attempt to settle your claim as low as possible. You require an attorney who will fight to get the most money you are entitled to. You may also be eligible to claim compensation if you own personal items damaged in the accident. These include your shoes, clothing and jewelry. You can also receive compensation for the costs of housekeeping, gardening or childcare, if you are unable to do these things yourself due to your injuries. The deductible also forms part of the equation when determining how the value of your claim is. You must pay your deductible before the insurance company starts to pay for your damages. You may then start a lawsuit against the driver at fault to recover the remaining amount of your damages. Medical bills The medical expenses that result from a car accident can quickly mount up. The average cost of an ambulance ride, hospital stay and inpatient therapy could be tens of thousands of dollars or more. Additionally, the cost of physical therapy, prescription medications and other treatments can continue to rise as the injured person continues to recover. If a driver is found be at the fault in a lawsuit, they are responsible for the victim's damages, including medical costs. However, the law does not usually require an at-fault party to pay their victim's medical bills on an ongoing basis. If you are not in a state that is a no-fault state the 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, subject to the policy limits. You should also make an claim against the liability coverage of the driver at the fault, and your own uninsured driver policy. These policies could reimburse you for medical expenses, but they typically come with deductibles or other conditions. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the process of getting your medical bills paid. This will enable you to not spend your income on medical expenses and instead focus on your recovery. Loss of wages Car accident injuries can prevent you from going to work. You may not be able to pay your bills, and lose income due to. You may have to borrow money from your friends or family members. Settlements can take months. In the meantime, you will need to continue paying your bills out of your own pocket and wait for your settlement. A claim for lost wages may aid you in recovering the money you could have earned not for the car accident injury. This can include hourly earnings and salary, but could also include other financial advantages like bonuses and raises. Your lawyer can determine the actual amount of lost earnings. You can claim compensation for lost wages through a no-fault insurance company, or even a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The claim typically includes your medical bills, evidence of absences due to your injuries, and documentation of your lost earnings capacity. This is often referred to as demand package. You'll need to submit an employer's letter to confirm your employment information, including the days you were absent due to your injuries and the hours you typically work. You'll need to provide your paystubs, tax forms and other pertinent documents. Your attorney can assist you gather these documents and prepare an appealing demand package to present to the insurance company or judge in your case. Suffering and pain Certain expenses associated with an accident can be estimated to the penny, like medical expenses, emergency services and surgeries, medication, lost wages, etc., but others cannot. These unquantifiable damages are called pain and suffering and are an important part in a victim's compensation claim. The emotional and physical consequences of an accident can be part of the suffering and pain. The injuries sustained by a victim can have a lasting impact on their lives and cause permanent disabilities, or even death. Someone who has suffered a debilitating head injury, like is likely to never be able to work or function normally. These kinds of injuries are often worth a substantial settlement. In the majority of cases, the amount of pain and suffering a victim receives depends on the degree of their injuries and how the injury has affected their life. A seasoned attorney will research the details of your case to determine the most appropriate settlement. They will make use of previous settlement amounts for similar injuries as a guide to provide you with an idea of what your case is worth. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to discredit victims of pain and suffering by claiming that their emotional or physical injuries aren't serious enough. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to resist these tactics and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive an honest settlement.