As the victim, you can claim several recoverable damages after a car accident to help make you whole again. Losses like medical costs can be determined by crunching numbers, while others like pain and suffering are hard to quantify.
An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer at the Weinstein Firm can assess your damages and help you get the settlement you deserve.
Compensation for Economic Losses
Medical bills, lost income, and property damage are some of the biggest costs after a car accident. As a victim, you deserve compensation for this type of damage.
Medical Expenses
The at-fault driver is responsible for all reasonable medical costs related to the accident, like hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and follow-up doctor visits. Keep records of all expenses in case the insurance company disputes any charges. Don’t forget that related costs like transportation to appointments or making modifications to your home are also covered.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you have a right to recoup that lost income. Provide pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or a letter from your employer to prove your average earnings. Lost wage compensation may also include lost future earning capacity if you can no longer work in the same field or at the same pay.
Property Damage
Depending on the severity of the crash, you may be dealing with dents, scratches, or even total loss. The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover these expenses, but you’ll need to know what’s recoverable to get properly compensated.
Make sure to get multiple repair estimates from authorized auto body shops that guarantee their work. The insurance company will typically pay the lowest reasonable amount, so choose a reputable shop.
If your vehicle was totaled, you’re owed the actual cash value for what your car was worth the moment before the crash. Check vehicle valuation guides to determine a fair price based on your car’s make, model, year, trim package, mileage, condition, and recent sales of comparable vehicles in your area. Don’t settle for the first offer from the insurance company.
Towing fees, rental car charges, and storage costs are also recoverable. Keep records of any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Pain and Suffering Damages After a Car Accident
In addition to economic losses, you can seek damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life. These are collectively known as pain and suffering.
While it’s hard to put an exact dollar figure on pain and suffering, insurance companies and courts make determinations based on the severity of your injuries, recovery time, and ongoing effects.
Physical Pain
The actual pain you endured from injuries like broken bones, burns, cuts, or other bodily harm. This includes pain from medical treatments and physical therapy.
Mental Anguish
The emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the trauma of the accident and injuries. Seeking counseling or therapy for accident-related mental health issues can help determine the extent of your suffering.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Being unable to participate in hobbies, activities, or social events you previously enjoyed due to injuries or emotional trauma. For example, if you can no longer play sports, engage in physical recreation, or travel due to mobility issues or anxiety.
Evidence for Pain and Suffering
Keep records of medical diagnoses, treatments, therapy sessions, and how your daily activities and relationships have been impacted. Photos of injuries, scarring, or disabilities can also help establish your claim.
Your lawyer may also support your claim with statements from your doctor and medical experts about the impact of your injuries.
Loss of Consortium: Impacts on Family and Relationships
When you suffer injuries, it affects more than just you—your spouse, children, and close family members also experience difficulties. They may face emotional distress and loss of affection and companionship.
Emotional Distress
Seeing a loved one suffer causes anguish, anxiety, and grief. Family members often experience feelings of hopelessness and helplessness as they worry about your recovery and well-being.
Loss of Affection and Companionship
When you’re injured, you may be unable to engage in shared hobbies, interests, and quality time together. Simple things like conversing, joking around, hugging, and supporting each other emotionally can be lost.
Additional Responsibilities
Caring for an injured loved one also means taking on more responsibilities like household chores, childcare, finances, and medical care needs. This added burden and stress takes an emotional and physical toll.
Let Us Help You Get the Maximum Compensation
With the assistance of the Weinstein Firm, you can get the compensation you deserve for recoverable damages after a car accident. We have recovered over $30,000,000 for clients across Georgia. Call us at 770-HELP-NOW to set up your free consultation.
