Motor Vehicle Compensation
A motor vehicle accident vehicle is any device used to transport people or motor property on public roads and is powered by mechanical means. Motor vehicles include cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and even aircrafts.
Two studies found that interacting with insurance companies while claiming compensation for an auto accident was associated with elevated levels of anxiety. Further research is required to understand the reasons for this.
Damages
The value of a motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle crash claim is determined by the specific cost and the damage you’ve suffered. An attorney for personal injury can assist you in determining the fair compensation for your particular situation. Damages are generally classified as «special» and «general.» The latter are expenses that can be calculated, like car repair or medical bills. General damages are more difficult to calculate and are based on non-economic factors like suffering and pain.
If your injuries were severe enough to qualify as a serious injury under New York state law, you could be entitled to additional compensation that is higher than the insurance company’s offer to you. If you have a permanent disability that significantly affects your life quality it is possible that you are entitled to compensation for loss of consortium and other economic damages.
You could also be able to recover the cost of taxis, public transportation, or ridesharing services in the event that you could not drive after the crash. You can also recover expenses to maintain your property or home if you are unable to do this due to your injuries. You may also be able to recover the loss of resale value of your damaged vehicle.
In some instances the at-fault party might be ordered to pay punitive damages if there’s evidence that the defendant has intentionally caused the accident. These damages are intended to penalize the responsible party for reckless or extreme negligence.
Medical bills
Medical bills can be expensive for victims of motor accident in a vehicle. Certain car insurance policies provide medical payment coverage (also called medical pay) that can help cover these costs. The coverage is generally accessible regardless of who is who was at fault in the crash.
It is important to remember that medical insurance does not replace health insurance. A victim should always submit an initial claim to their own insurance provider before submitting an action against the driver who was at fault. It is also possible to get compensation for expenses, such as transportation costs to and from medical appointments. To ensure that they get a fair amount, the victim must be careful in keeping track of and archiving receipts.
Additionally, No-Fault coverage may provide compensation for the loss of wages if they are unable to work due to their injuries. The maximum amount that can be claimed is $2,000 per month for not more than three years. The No-Fault carrier may also be required to offset this amount with any Disability, Workers’ Compensation or Social Security benefits the injured party receives.
Despite the financial aid that may be available, it could take months, or even years for a favorable settlement to be reached. In the meantime medical debt collection firms might be calling, and unpaid bills can result in serious damage to a person’s credit rating. To avoid this, the victims must establish a client-attorney partnership with a law firm which handles auto accidents.
Lost wages
A car crash can leave you in a financial difficulty. Medical bills, credit card debt, and loan installments may build up when you’re in a position to work. Losing income can create stress for your family. You can get back lost wages from your auto accident attorney.
In order to prove your lost wages, you’ll need documentation that verifies your salary or hourly wage and the number of days missed due to injuries. You can use an employer’s letter and pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns and so on. The process of proving your income is more difficult when you are a self-employed person or work on commission. An experienced attorney for car accidents will assist you in gathering all the evidence you need to prove your claim.
You can only recover lost wages as part your car accident claim. They cannot be recovered from worker’s compensation or disability insurance, as this would be considered a double recovery.
The insurance company with no fault will send you to an independent physician that they have contracted to examine you. This doctor will determine whether your injuries, in the doctor’s opinion, prevent you from working. This is known as an independent medical examination (IME) and it is important to remember that the physician who conducts your IME will be biased toward the insurance company.
Suffering and pain
Contrary to medical bills and loss of wages, it’s hard to put a price on the pain and suffering that comes from a motor vehicle crash. It is often more severe than physical injuries, since the impact of a crash could cause emotional issues such as PTSD. For instance, a person with PTSD might be suffering from anxiety and insomnia which could prevent them from getting a restful night’s sleep, or they might be in a position to not drive due to the fear of a second accident or getting hit again.
An attorney can help you calculate the total value of your non-economic damages and collaborate with a jury to determine how much to award for your suffering and pain. The amount you receive will also be affected by the extent of your injuries and how they impact your daily routine. It could be beneficial to keep a journal or have your family or friends write a statement.
Some states have a cap on the amount of compensation paid for pain and suffering. New York does not have a cap, but victims are only able to file a lawsuit and request damages for serious injuries. A Manhattan lawyer can help you determine the true cost of your injuries and establish that you are entitled to fair compensation.