According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 car accidents take place in the country every minute. These accidents can be traumatic and stressful experiences, not only for the physical and emotional injuries that may result but also for the financial burdens that can arise from medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
However, you might be entitled to receive compensation under certain circumstances.
This article will discuss five instances where you may be able to recover damages for your car accident, including negligence, personal injury, and more.
#1 If You’re Injured in the Car Accident
If you suffered any type of physical injury due to the accident, such as a broken bone or concussion, you should seek medical attention and have a doctor document your injuries. You can then use this documentation to prove that you were injured in the accident and how much it cost you to get medical treatment.
#2 If the Accident Has Lead to Lost Wages
If your car accident has led to lost wages, you may be eligible for compensation.
To determine how much compensation you are entitled to, you will need to take into account how much income you were making before the accident and how much income you will make in the future.
Get in touch with a local car accident attorney to help you get compensated for lost wages, as well as for medical expenses covering your pain and suffering.
For instance, St. Louis sees around 10,000 to 15,000 car accidents every year. If you’re involved in one of these accidents, get in touch with a St. Louis car accident lawyer to help you navigate any legal matter, as well as seek compensation for lost wages or any serious injuries. Working with a local lawyer is ideal since they’re aware of local laws.
For example, according to the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims, in California, you must file a claim within two years of the accident. However, in New York, you get three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
#3 If the Accident Has Lead to Mental Distress
Mental distress is more than just the physical pain that comes with an accident. It can also be emotional pain, anxiety, and other psychological effects of an accident that cause significant stress and damage your quality of life.
If you feel like your mental health has been damaged by your accident, even if there isn’t any physical evidence, you may still be eligible for compensation.
#4 If the Accident Has Badly Damaged Your Car
If the car accident has badly damaged your car, you are entitled to compensation from the other driver.
The amount of compensation you can claim will depend on the value of the damage caused by the accident. If you have not repaired or replaced the damaged parts of your vehicle, a third party will assess them and determine their value.
Once this is done, an insurance adjuster will decide what compensation should be paid out to you based on this figure. With this, you can get your car fixed or even buy a new one if needed.
#5 If the Accident Has Forced You to be Unable to Work for the Rest of Your Life
Data from the United States Department of Transportation shows that traffic accidents cost America $340 billion in 2019. A chunk of this money was likely paid as compensation to people who either had lost a certain amount of their earnings (due to injuries) or had completely lost the ability to work physically.
If the accident has forced you to be unable to work for the rest of your life, you will likely be entitled to compensation. This is because an inability to work is considered a permanent disability and therefore entitles you to compensation.
An injury that prevents someone from working for the rest of their lives can be compensated for by allowing them to make a claim on their insurance policy.
In conclusion, car accidents can result in significant financial and emotional burdens. However, in certain instances, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. It is important to understand your rights and the potential avenues for recovery, such as negligence, product liability, and more.
It’s also important to seek legal guidance to understand the specific laws of the state where the accident occurred and the requirements to file a claim.
