How To Know What Damages You Are Entitled To In A Car Accident

Posted on February 16th, 2020 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.

When a car driver causes a vehicle collision due to carelessness, the injured driver may be able to recover many types of damages through filing a car accident claim. The damages recovered will be based on the severity of physical injury and other losses. If you or someone you love was an innocent party in a car crash, you should consider contacting an attorney in your area who is experienced in personal injury cases. A car accident lawyer in Bloomington, IL can protect your rights while fighting for a fair amount in monetary compensation.

After the car accident, the injured driver may wonder what types of damages they may be entitled to receive. Most reputable law firms offer free consultations for new clients, so the injured driver can find out whether legal action is needed or worth the time and cost. During a consultation, a personal injury attorney can talk with injured driver about the following:

Medical Costs

Usually the biggest type of economic damage is related to medical care expenses. The injured driver may have been ushered to the emergency room at the scene of the crash, or visited their doctor in the days afterwards for treatment of suspected injuries. Your attorney is likely to ask for any copies of medical information you have that is related to the car accident injuries. These documents Medical cost damages may entail compensation for:

Medication
Hospitalization
Ambulance response
In-home services
Rehabilitation
Cognitive therapy
Surgery

Loss of Wage

If the injured driver has to stay at home and miss work to recover, they may have to use their PTO or vacation hours, or not get paid at all for their time away. This can place a huge financial burden on the injured driver who relies on paychecks to pay bills on a monthly basis. Inform your attorney about whether you have had to stay home from work because of the injury. If you had to use PTO or vacation hours, you may be able to receive compensation for the hours used.

Loss of Consortium and Quality of Life

The victim in the car accident may be suffering from a condition that hinders his or her ability to enjoy the relationship with their partner. For example, the injured driver may need to remain in a wheelchair either temporarily or permanently, preventing them from intimacy and activities with their husband or wife. The victim may not be able to return to a job they love due to physical limitations. All of these life changes can be categorized under loss of consortium and/or quality of life.

Property Loss

The injured driver may have to deal with damage to their vehicle, resulting in expensive repair bills. Perhaps a new car had to be purchased altogether, or they needed to rent a car while the damaged vehicle was in the shop. The cost to book the rental car now became an additional loss. Property loss also entails any other items that were broken due to the car accident, such as a cell phone, camera, etc.

Thanks to Pioletti, Pioletti & Nichols for their insight into personal injury claims and damages from a car accident.

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