Know All Your Damages

After a car accident, it’s important that you know all your damages. This is one of the biggest secrets to settling your car accident claim. They want you to settle quickly for a low offer before you have the chance to figure out how much your case is truly worth. This would be a huge mistake on your part.

Many car accident victims know that they can receive compensation for medical bills and vehicle damage, but the actual damages you have suffered often extend much further than that. Depending on the severity of your accident, you could possibly claim compensation for more than a dozen types of damages. That’s why it’s important to know all the damages that apply in your case so you can get an idea of how much compensation you can expect to receive. This will prevent you from accepting the insurance company’s first offer.

Types of Damages in a Car Accident

The most common damage in a car accident is property damage. While many people think solely of the damage to their vehicle, property damage also includes anything that was damaged in the accident. For example, if your cell phone, glasses, laptop, purse or other possessions were damaged in the wreck, you’ll be able to claim these as well. If the accident was caused by someone hitting your fence or even your home, you can claim any necessary repairs as damages.

Medical bills are also common after a car crash. Medical bills include a variety of expenses, including hospital bills, ambulance, physical therapy, medical devices, lab work, surgical procedures and in-home care.

Don’t forget loss of income. If you had to take time off work to recover from your injuries, you can get compensated for lost wages. If it is expected that you will lose future income, you will receive compensation for this.

Anything else that you paid for as a result of the accident, no matter how small, can also be considered damages. This would include a rental car or taxi service, housekeeper or psychological counseling. Meals and lodging related to medical appointments should be included as well. If your spouse or other family member took time off work to care for you, his or her expenses would also be considered damages.

Many accident victims suffer emotional damages. Pain and suffering is a common one. This refers to physical or emotional distress from an injury. Typically, the more severe your injuries, the more compensation you will receive for pain and suffering.

More Types of Compensable Injuries

The embarrassment from a disfigurement or disability can also result in compensation. Anxiety, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life also fall under this category. The monetary amounts for these damages are based on the severity of your injuries.

Your spouse may also be able to claim loss of consortium. This refers to loss the of companionship and affection, often related to the injured spouse’s inability to engage in sexual activity.

After a car accident, knowledge is power. It’s important to be aware of all the possible damages for which you can receive compensation, and a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the values.

Read about the other secrets:

1. Conduct a complete investigation.
2. Get photographs of all important elements in your case.
3. Don’t release your medical records to the other party’s insurance company.
4. Get the insurance company to set up a high reserve account.
5. Keep the adjuster informed about the seriousness of your injuries.
6. Don’t let the insurance adjuster pressure you into settling your case.
7. Keep a day-by-day diary of your injuries.
8. Know all your damages.
9. Keep all bills and receipts related to your accident.
10. Know all your injuries.
11. Know your sources for insurance coverage.
12. Stay under your doctor’s care until your doctor releases you.
13. File your lawsuit right away.
14. Ask a qualified trial lawyer to evaluate your case.
15. If you decide to hire a lawyer, choose a trial attorney who isn’t afraid to go to court.