The roads are always busy, and accidents happen every day. Every year, motor vehicle accidents result in over 1.2 million fatalities worldwide and a significant number of non-fatal injuries across the world. This only means that anyone can be a victim of road accidents.
And when it comes to road accidents, aside from being very traumatic, they can also be costly for some people. Victims of road accidents may have to spend a lot on medical treatment and rehabilitation, not to mention the potential loss of earnings if they cannot work. That’s something that would affect most victims for a long time.
Fortunately, when you or someone you know is involved in a road accident, the first thing you should do is to seek medical attention. After that, you may want to file a compensation claim. But what are the road accident damages that you may be compensated for? Here are some of those:
1. Vehicle damages
You may compensate for any damage to your vehicle resulting from a road accident. This includes damage to the vehicle itself, as well as any contents that were damaged or destroyed in the accident.
To receive compensation, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. You can collect evidence such as witness statements, photos of the scene, and police reports. Your lawyer will also need to prove that the accident caused damage to your vehicle.
In some cases, this may require an expert assessment of the damage. Suppose you are successful in proving liability and causation. In that case, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
2. Medical expenses
Seeking medical attention can be very costly, especially for serious injuries. But if you file a compensation claim, the at-fault party may be required to shoulder all your medical expenses, from hospitalization to rehabilitation. This can be tricky, though, as some insurance companies may try to lowball the amount they’re willing to pay or deny your claim altogether.
For instance, the person who injured you was a ridesharing driver. The at-fault party’s insurance company may argue that the driver wasn’t technically working at the time of the accident, which means that their policy may not cover the damages. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced lawyer, say an experienced Uber accident attorney or whichever ridesharing service was being used, to help you with your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney who can help you get the full compensation you rightfully deserve is vital. This way, you can be sure that the at-fault party will cover all your damages, and you won’t have to go through the legal process of claiming medical expenses from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
3. Lost earnings
You may be compensated for the lost earnings if you’re unable to work because of your injuries. This is especially true if you’re self-employed or earn a commission. The at-fault party may be required to shoulder not only your past lost earnings but also your future lost earnings.
Injuries sustained in a road accident can be serious, and it may take weeks or even months before you’re able to return to work. The loss of earnings can significantly impact your life, especially if you’re the family’s breadwinner.
These financial losses may be difficult to compute; that’s why it’s also important to work with a legal expert that can help you with the process. Your lost earnings may be used as leverage in negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
4. Pain and suffering
This damage is more difficult to quantify, but you may still be compensated for the pain and suffering you’ve endured because of the accident. The at-fault party may be required to pay for your physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
The amount of compensation for pain and suffering will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact of the accident on your life, and the number of economic damages you’ve incurred.
Pain and suffering due to a traffic accident can be challenging to deal with. Make sure you have someone you trust to help you with the legal process, so you can focus on your recovery.
5. Funeral expenses (in the case of a fatality)
If the victim of a road accident dies because of their injuries, their loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim is separate from a personal injury claim and may entitle the deceased’s family to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
Losing a loved one in a road accident is devastating. But you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you with the legal process and ensure you’re compensated for your losses.
Funeral expenses are expensive, and no one should have to shoulder the burden of these costs alone. With a wrongful death claim, the at-fault party may be required to pay for the funeral expenses, so the deceased’s family can focus on grieving and moving forward.
These are just some road accident damages you may be compensated for if you file a claim. The amount will, of course, vary depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained. However, it is essential to note that you will have a better chance of getting compensated if you can prove that the other party was at fault.
