One of the reasons why car accident victims do not pursue compensation for injuries or other damages is because they either don’t know their rights or they do not know how much their accident claim is worth. In many of these cases, the victims settle directly with the insurance company without consulting a car accident attorney in Pensacola, Florida. As a result, they agree to a low settlement offer.
If you were injured in a car accident and the other driver is at fault, you owe it to yourself to explore your legal rights and pursue compensation that reflects your actual losses—not what the insurance company tells you your claim is worth.
What Damages Can I Pursue in a Car Accident Claim?
What you can claim after a car accident depends on three things:
- The details of the accident
- The parties involved
- Your injuries and other damages
With that in mind, here are some of the damages that you may be able to recover.
Medical Expenses
If you were injured in a car accident, you can claim all short- and long-term medical expenses from your injuries. Common medical expenses include:
- Emergency room visit
- Surgical procedures
- Hospital stay
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Pain medication
- Medical devices
You can also claim long-term medical expenses such as rehabilitation or in-home medical care.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are damages that your attorney may not be able to calculate or assign an exact dollar amount. These damages are generally regarded as ways in which the accident affected your life. Some examples of common non-economic damages include
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lower standard of living
The reason you can include non-economic damages is that a car accident can have a permanent impact on your and your family’s lives. You may not be able to provide companionship, parental support or financial support, which can be devastating to your life.
Lost Income
Lost income includes any form of compensation that you lose either during your recovery or permanently. You may be able to receive compensation for lost income such as:
- Pay or wages
- Tips or bonuses
- Benefits
- Retirement
- Lost or diminished future income
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault party engages in behavior that was reckless or intended to harm you, the court may award you punitive damages. Your attorney will first have to prove that the at-fault party’s behavior was reckless or intentional. If so, the court decides if it will award punitive damages and how much.
Wrongful Death Damages
The death of a loved one can present unique financial challenges that affect the household and other members of the family. Wrongful death damages you may be able to claim include:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
- Pre-death medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost household income
- Lost parental or spousal support and companionship
Property Damage
If your car was damaged or totaled, you may also be able to add the cost of repairs or buying a new car to your claim. Since Florida is a no-fault state, your auto insurance may cover these costs. However, if the amount of the damage exceeds your auto insurance policy, you may be able to recover the difference from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Ask Tom Today!Is It Possible to Know the Exact Amount of My Car Accident Claim?
It is impossible to know how much your case is worth. Each case is unique and should be handled as such. Your car accident attorney will gather all of the details of your case to calculate your case value. However, they can only provide an estimate at best.
Your attorney will explore every possible loss that you can report and push for maximum compensation based on your actual damages instead of what the insurance company is willing to settle for. They will also negotiate with the insurer on your behalf so that you get a fair settlement. For this reason, you should let your attorney handle your case instead of trying to seek compensation on your own.
Hire Thomas J. Ueberschaer, P.A., to Represent You Today
When you are ready to move forward with your case, we are here to help at every step of the way. Thomas J. Ueberschaer, P.A., provides comprehensive legal services for victims of car accidents in Florida. Contact us today to get started with your claim.
We will answer your questions, address your concerns and work on your behalf to take on the insurance companies. To schedule a free case evaluation, call us at 850-434-8778.