If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, you know what a toll it can take on your life, especially from a financial standpoint. You’ve likely lost time at work, had to pay additional medical expenses that you would not have had to pay if you had not been in an accident and maybe even had to pay for a new vehicle or substantial repairs. If someone else caused this accident, you should not be the one that has to foot the bill for all of this. That is why we have personal injury lawsuits in order to make you whole following an auto accident.
The question is, what does it really take to make you whole? There’s a lot to consider and it can be argued that no amount of monetary damages can ever make you “completely whole.” However, the law does its’ best to provide a fair and just compensation package when it comes to automobile accident settlements.
Medical Expenses
If you have been injured in a car accident because of someone else’s actions, it makes sense that they should be the one’s paying for your medical expenses. In order to get the best possible reimbursement for these expenses, be sure to document the following:
- Dates of treatment
- Type(s) of treatment
- Treatment provider(s) seen
- Cost of treatment paid for
- Prescriptions (and cost)
It’s helpful to maintain a special file for all of this information, including all receipts, either in hard copy for or electronically.
Pain and Suffering
Although some states do not allow reimbursement for pain and suffering, Pennsylvania law does. In order to be awarded damages for pain and suffering, you must have suffered a physical injury. Damages for pain and suffering may be awarded after considering:
- the duration of the pain and suffering;
- the extent of actual, mental and emotional pain; and
- the degree of physical impairment.
Lost Wages or Business Income
If you were injured to the point that you could not work, either at your place of employment or at your own business, you may seek compensation for that loss. Again, keeping solid records of dates not worked, opportunities lost or normal and customary prior income can help in gaining the best possible settlement.
Loss of Companionship
Your spouse may seek damages for loss of consortium or loss of companionship if you are injured in an automobile accident.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the course of the accident, you have the right to receive compensation for that loss.
Punitive Damages
This type of damages award is rare, but may be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was so egregious as to warrant an extra damages award to “teach the person a lesson” and hopefully deter future bad conduct.
Have you been injured in an accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help take some of the stress out of the process. Trial lawyer Louis P. Lombardi has over 38 years of experience dealing with personal injury claims and will fight to get you the best possible monetary compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation or call 888-818-4343.