Car accidents come in all different shapes and sizes, but they often result in some form of damage, whether it be property damage, injuries, or emotional distress. Following a car accident, you are well within your rights to put in a compensation claim, but the amount you will receive will depend entirely on the circumstances. Below, we talk about the different types of car accident damages and how to recover compensation.
Different Types of Damages
When it comes to car accident personal injury cases, there are several common damages that people claim, which include:
- Medical expenses. This involves everything from assessments to hospitalization costs, prescriptions, medical devices, and rehabilitation. The more serious the injuries, the more compensation you can recover.
- Loss of earnings. Injuries may leave you unable to work or having to find alternative work – you can claim for anything directly resulting from the accident.
- Pain and suffering. Non-financial compensations include loss of consortium, mental distress, physical pain, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage. If your vehicle needs to be repaired or written off, you can claim compensation to cover the costs.
- Punitive damages. In cases of gross negligence, you can claim compensation – these are additional claims acting as a punishment to the liable party.
This list includes the most common damages people claim following a car accident, but it’s certainly not exhaustive. If the car accident is sadly fatal, the above damages won’t be claimed by the victim. In these cases, loved ones can file a wrongful death lawsuit, which covers funeral costs and emotional anguish.
What to Do Following a Car Accident
Understanding the types of damages you can claim is the first part of the puzzle, but it’s important to know what to do following a car accident. To claim compensation, you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the guilty party was liable, which will involve collecting evidence and partnering with a reputable car accident lawyer.
Get to Safety and Stay on the Scene
You have to stay on at the scene following a car accident. However, you must get to a safe place out of the line of traffic if you’re able to do so. After you’ve reached a safe point, you must contact the police and wait for them to attend. You will have to retrieve the incident number for insurance purposes.
Collect Witness Contact Details
Part of your evidence collection will involve witness testimonies. Therefore, if you’re able to do so, you should speak to potential witnesses on the scene and collect contact information. In some cases, you may be able to secure dashcam footage, which your lawyers will need a copy of.
Taking Photos of the Scene
While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, take photographs of the accident from every angle possible, as long as it’s safe to do so. Visual evidence can be the difference between winning a compensation case and losing. Your personal injury lawyer will have expert contacts analyze the photos, and there may be something the untrained eye misses.
Have a Medical Assessment
Whether your accidents are serious or not, you have to get checked over by a professional immediately after the incident. More importantly, you need to collect records of your medical assessments. Additionally, during your recovery, you must keep hold of accurate records. If you fail to collect medical records, you may not be able to claim for injuries.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Regardless of who is liable for the accident, you will need to get in touch with your insurance company. At this point, all you are doing is letting them know that there has been an accident. From then on, it’s important that you do not say anything else, as your words may be used against you as an admission of guilt.
Contact a Lawyer
Navigating the legal system is challenging, especially when it comes to claiming compensation for car accidents. Therefore, to make sure that everything is executed properly and that you get fair compensation, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. Don’t worry about the cost of the lawyer; you can receive a free consultation at almost any reputable firm.
Statute of Limitation
The statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years, so you will need to act fast. Although this may not seem like long, time has a way of distorting memory. Therefore, to avoid any inaccuracies, we recommend keeping a journal to document everything.
Car accidents can lead to significant damages, including loss of earnings, mental distress, property damage, and much more. You’re entitled to claim compensation, so let us at Denmon Pearlman, CA, boost your chances of success. Contact us using the details below.
- Tampa – 2504 W Crest Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
- Petersburg – 520 2nd Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- New Port Richey – 5703 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- Brooksville – 1790 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601
- Seminole – 5290 Seminole Blvd. Suite D, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Call now for a free consultation on (800) 800-4300.