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What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive in a Car Accident Claim?

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If you sustained one or more injuries caused by a car accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation in the form of monetary damages.

To prove negligence, your personal injury attorney has to submit evidence such as copies of medical bills and the receipts that describe how much money you lost in property damage. Most victims do not know what types of compensation are available after an auto accident.

You have the right to ask for compensation that covers more expenses than just medical bills and lost wages.

The Compensation You May Receive

Victims of car accidents that can prove the other party committed one or more acts of negligence might qualify for financial assistance in the form of monetary damages. Even if you cannot prove the other party committed one or more acts of negligence, you should file an insurance claim to recover the value of your financial losses.

Medical Bills

Medical bills include diagnostic tests, treatment programs, and physical therapy sessions. You also have the right to request compensation to cover the costs associated with prescription medications and the use of an assistive device.

Lost Wages

If you were involved in a car accident that caused serious injuries, you should request compensation for a car accident that covers lost wages.

Property Damage

The negligent party that caused the auto accident should have to pay for the damage done to your vehicle. In addition to car damage, the negligent party also has to pay for repairing electronic devices like a tablet or Smartphone.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages do not cover any of your direct costs. Instead, a judge awards punitive damages in personal injury cases to punish the plaintiff for committing one or more acts of negligence.

Working with a personal injury lawyer should discourage your insurance company from trying to lowball you with a compensation offer.

Non-Economic Damages

Car accident compensation for non-economic damages refers to the intangible costs associated with inconvenience, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.

Since non-economic damages do not come with a price tag, your personal injury attorney calculates a value for non-economic damages by using a formula that is based on the value of your economic damages. One example of non-economic damages is the development of acute fear and anxiety whenever you operate a motor vehicle.

Other Factors to Consider

The amount of monetary damages awarded for a car accident case depends on several factors, such as the state where you experienced the auto accident and whether you were the driver or passenger. Physical evidence that determines negligence also plays a pivotal role in determining your compensation.

If you live in a state that follows comparative negligence principles, the judge hearing your case might assign some of the blame for the auto accident to you. For example, if the judge hearing your case declares you should assume 20 percent of the legal liability, the amount of your compensation decreases by 20 percent.

Working with a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer to determine how to proceed with your case.

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