8 Factors That Affect Your Compensation After a Car Crash

If you’ve been involved in a car crash, then you know how stressful an ordeal it can be. In addition to physical injuries, property damage, and the trauma of dealing with the aftermath, having to determine your financial compensation for these damages can add even more stress. You may find yourself wondering what factors could influence the amount of money that you ultimately receive as recompense for all of your losses. Knowing what information goes into figuring out this compensation is essential when working through legal proceedings following a car accident. Read on to learn more about 8 factors that affect your compensation after a car crash.

The Severity of the Injury

The severity of an injury after a car crash is key when evaluating compensation. A minor bruise or cut won’t necessarily need expensive medical care or physical therapy, for instance, whereas a broken bone might need multiple surgeries and a lengthy healing period that could involve months of physical therapy. Whichever injuries have been suffered by the victim, it is essential to document the diagnosis from medical practitioners to ensure that proper compensation can be obtained for any expenses related to treatment. Also, speaking with a car accident lawyer could help victims ensure that they are receiving a fair settlement for their injuries. In addition to understanding the prognosis and required treatment – whether that be simply over-the-counter painkillers or physiotherapy sessions – victims may also require psychological support during their recovery journey, for which proper reimbursement should also be sought.

Liability

Who was the one at fault for the car accident can make a significant difference in the procedural aspects of your case. Liability, or who is responsible for the crash, determines everything from who will pay for medical bills and property damage to who is responsible under the law. And of course, innocent victims may experience more personal satisfaction from having someone held liable for damages. To conclude liability, an insurance claims adjuster will investigate who had been negligent or careless before the collision and use that information to determine whether you, another driver, or both may be legally responsible for causing the accident.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses resulting from a car accident can be both extensive and unforeseen. Ultimately they are the responsibility of the at-fault driver, or their insurer, but that doesn’t guarantee such a large bill won't cause unwanted distress. Medical costs might include emergency care, hospital stays, x-rays, scans, medications, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. The list doesn’t end there – sometimes dental treatments become necessary due to the lasting effects of auto collisions. Prolonged medical care as well as mileage for trips to your medical appointments may also figure into the equation. All these variable costs need to be considered when dealing with a car accident compensation case.

Lost Wages

Depending on the severity of the accident, injuries sustained may prevent you from being able to go back to work right away. If you were unable to return to the same employment because of your injuries, you may be eligible for loss of earnings compensation. This could include total lost wages from the time of the accident up until the settlement is reached, covering any lost benefits as well. It's important to understand that, depending on your circumstances and injury, you may also be entitled to future lost wages if you're no longer able to receive an income in the same capacity as before. Make sure to tell your attorney about any missing income or lost opportunities so they can properly assess all potential income losses and accurately reflect them when seeking compensation for your losses.

Property Damage

No matter the kind of car crash you've been involved in, assessing the property damage it's caused is essential for establishing fair compensation. This may involve physical limitations to your vehicle, such as broken glass, dents, and scrapes. But it can also go beyond that—bodily injuries, both to yourself and others; pain and suffering; emotional trauma experienced by everyone involved in the accident; any medical costs you haven’t yet paid… these all factor into coming up with an agreeable figure for repairs or reimbursement.

Pain and Suffering

After suffering a car crash, those affected often experience more than just tangible damage; things like physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish can leave victims feeling vulnerable and scared. Such trauma will require repairs that go far beyond medical bills and vehicle repair costs. Pain and suffering resulting from a car crash are important factors to consider when determining compensation for victims - this includes physical pain from any medical issues associated with the accident as well as mental anguish. To reach a fair status for compensation, it is important to understand the level of harm that has been inflicted on the victim both physically and emotionally.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, a court may award punitive damages to the plaintiff in a car crash case. Punitive damages are designed to punish a party for especially negligent behavior and provide an incentive for them to take more care in the future. For instance, if it is determined that one of the drivers was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident occurred, punitive damages may be awarded.

Legal Fees

The prospect of legal fees may cause some to shy away from seeking compensation for a car crash, but this is rarely necessary. Most auto accident injury attorneys work on a contingency basis and will only charge the client if they win their case. This means that clients do not need to worry about paying any money upfront and can focus on getting the compensation they deserve.

Car accidents can result in extensive physical, emotional, and financial costs. To make sure that you’re properly compensated for your losses, it is important to understand the various factors that may play into your case. From medical bills and property damage to pain and suffering and legal fees, all of these items must be taken into account. With the help of a qualified auto accident injury attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive just compensation for your losses.