If you have been involved in a car accident where the other party was at fault, you deserve compensation. Legally, compensation is referred to as damages, and it will be determined by several factors. As a victim, you need to be aware of the compensation you are entitled to. Most people have left money on the table because of not knowing this. For starters, consider hiring a Houston auto accident attorney to help you out. An auto accident attorney will analyze your case and give you a breakdown of the various types of compensation you are entitled to. Here are some of them.
Medical Expenses
Many car accidents result in serious injuries that need medical care. That cost of treatment can add up really fast. Fortunately, you can be compensated for those medical expenses you incur. Besides the immediate expenses, you can also be compensated for future medical costs. Some of the medical expenses that result from accidents include hospital stays, X-rays, emergency room visits, medication, physical therapy, surgery, and chiropractor.
Property Damage
Technically speaking, property damage is not exactly considered personal injury. But it can be included when filing a damages claim. If your car, electronics, and other items in the car were damaged in the accident, you are entitled to compensation.
Lost Income and Benefits
You are entitled to compensation if the injury you have incurred stops you from working and earning money. Lost income includes salaries, wages, and earnings from self-employment. It can also include benefits, commissions, and bonuses. If you sustain a permanent disability or impairment, you can also be compensated for the loss of future income. If you can still work, but the impairment limits your earning capacity, you can be compensated for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
A significant part of your settlement will be for the pain and suffering caused by the accident. Pain and suffering damage comprises physical pain and mental anguish. Psychological damage includes anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and embarrassment. Unlike medical expenses and property damage, it is hard to put a price on pain and suffering. That is why you will need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. The lawyer will assess your case to determine how much money you should be compensated for this. Several factors like the type of injury, length of recovery, type of medication, and the permanence of an injury will contribute to this.
Emotional Distress
If a car accident is severe, leaving your face disfigured, you will likely suffer from emotional distress. Your self-esteem can go down, and you may even isolate yourself from other people. In such cases, you can be compensated for emotional distress.
Loss of Irreplaceable Items
If irreplaceable items like a family heirloom get destroyed in an accident, you can receive compensation for this item. In some cases, the compensation may be more than the initial value of that item.
Lower Quality of Life
Most of the time, a personal injury can change your life. You will not be able to enjoy life like you used to. If you suffer from chronic pain because of the injury, you can be awarded compensation. This type of damage is usually common in people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or amputation.
Wrongful Death
If you lose a loved one in a car accident, you are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If a child has died, the parents can file a lawsuit, and if it is an adult, an estate executor can file the lawsuit.
When you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, understanding what you are entitled to allows you to be fully compensated. Even better, hire a personal injury lawyer. The chances of a better outcome are higher with an attorney by your side.