Being involved in a car accident is no small thing. You may spend weeks or months recovering, and some people suffer injuries that are so severe they will never fully recover.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a car crash. You may be dealing with physical pain and facing the need for surgery and ongoing physical therapy. Your injuries may prevent you from returning to work. Many people experience feelings of bitterness, helplessness and hopelessness. The symptoms of depression and PTSD are common.
On top of these challenges, car accident victims are presented with a growing list of expenses. Their car needs to be repaired, the doctor bills are skyrocketing and the ordinary costs of living still must be met.
Lawyers from Coye Law Firm suggest that accident victims get medical attention, and then consider meeting with an attorney. People who have been hurt in a collision may be entitled to collect damages.
Several types of damages may be awarded. The types of damages that are available will vary widely between car crashes. This is because each situation is unique. A car accident attorney can provide guidance regarding the precise damages that may be appropriate in your situation. Here are five types of damages that car accident victims may be able to claim.
- Medical Expenses
The doctor bills after a car crash can be immense. Tests, X-rays, examinations, hospitalization and more add up quickly. After initial care, many accident victims have ongoing needs for physical therapy, medication and additional treatments. All of these expenses may form the basis of a medical expenses claim.
- Property Damages
In addition to physical injuries, the victim’s car probably suffered damage. Personal items within the car also may be lost or damaged. Typically, it’s possible to make a property damage claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, so it may be helpful to have an attorney to advocate for you.
- Pain and Suffering
Some car accident injuries are less tangible than others. Increases in anxiety and depression are common. People sometimes feel as if they have lost their ability to enjoy life, and they can no longer participate in the small activities that used to give them pleasure. It is possible for a car accident lawyer to quantify these damages and to make a monetary claim based upon these calculations.
- Lost Wages
Minor injuries may mean missing only a few days of work, but more serious medical issues may necessitate weeks away from your job. Some people will be unable to ever return to their previous employment. While they are away from work, they are not earning wages, nor are they eligible for promotions. Both of these factors will be taken into consideration with a lost wages claim.
- Wrongful Death
Some of the worst car crashes result in the death of an innocent person. These cases can be complex, involving calculations for funeral costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and more. While they do not bring a loved one back, they can help surviving family members find a more secure path forward.
