What Compensation Am I Entitled After A Car Accident?

Getting into a car accident is a frightening and often expensive event. The crash likely led to expenses to repair or replace the vehicle and may have led to serious injuries. This can result in medical bills and even missed work. What happens after an accident like this? Can you expect compensation? If so, for what?

Whether or not you get compensation depends on who was responsible for the accident. If the accident was the result of another’s negligent or reckless actions, you are likely eligible for compensation. Although the exact answer for the type of compensation will depend on the details of the accident, some examples include:

• Medical expenses. The accident may have been serious enough to warrant an ambulance. If so, you are likely entitled to have the person responsible for the accident cover this expense. Additional examples of medical expenses can include diagnostic tests, additional appointments, physical therapy, medical devices like a wheelchair or crutches and additional in-home services.
• Lost wages. You can also hold the responsible party accountable for lost wages if the injuries keep you from going to work. This can include missing work for medical appointments or because the injuries are too severe for you to go to the workplace. You may also claim future lost wages, with an estimation of how long it will be until you can return to work and how much you will lose in income because of these injuries.
• Pain and suffering. This award can result in compensation for both physical and mental pain that result from the accident.

These awards are generally broken down into two categories: economic and noneconomic. Economic damages are generally easier to calculate. These are tangible losses like medical bills and lost wages. Noneconomic damages can be more difficult. These include things like pain and suffering.

Although navigating these legal issues can seem intimidating, it is important to know you are not alone. If you are seriously injured in a car accident you can seek legal counsel. An attorney can advocate on your behalf and fight to better ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.