Auto accidents can range from minor to fatal and anything in between. Depending on the severity of the crash, victims may be entitled to several types of compensation. The most common types include:
- Medical Expenses – Victims may receive compensation for medical treatment related to their injuries. This can include hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, pain management, and more.
- Lost Wages – If an auto accident victim cannot work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for their lost wages. This can include both past and future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering – Auto accident victims may also receive compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering they experienced due to their injuries. This can include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage – If the victim’s vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, they might be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek the types of compensation described above. Here are the general steps involved in filing a personal injury claim:
- Seek Medical Treatment – The first step after an accident is to seek medical treatment for any injuries you may have sustained. Your health should always be your top priority.
- Gather Evidence – After seeking medical treatment, gathering evidence to support your claim is crucial. This may include photos of the scene of the accident or your injuries, witness statements, and police reports.
- Contact an Attorney – It’s always a good idea to consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
- File Your Claim – Your attorney will help you prepare and file your personal injury claim with the appropriate insurance company or court.
- Negotiate a Settlement – After filing your claim, you and your attorney will negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or other party responsible for your injuries. Your case may go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
If you’ve been involved in a collision, call our office for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. It is our job to help you understand this process. Call and speak to one of our attorneys today!