Victim of a Car Crash? You May Be Entitled to These Types of Car Accident Compensation

Ever since cars were first introduced, they’ve consistently been the most deadly mode of transport. This isn’t just because these accidents are so frequent but also because they’re incredibly dangerous, with only a lucky minority escaping with a few scratches.

As a result, residents of California are entitled to comprehensive compensation that accounts for various outcomes. The claims can be divided into two categories — the more quantifiable economic damages or non-economic damages, which are based on more subjective readings of the situation. With this understanding in mind, here are some of the most common compensations for car accidents.

Any medication that’s needed to treat an injury caused as a result of negligence or rash driving can be compensated, provided you take the right steps. The first course of action is to undergo a medical examination following the crash to assess the extent of the injury. With this confirmation, you may be entitled to compensation for:

•     Ambulance fees
•     Doctor’s consultations
•     Tests or examinations
•     Physical pain or impairment

And more. In fact, all medical expenses, ranging from treatments for cuts and bruises to serious disabilities, can be compensated. A personal injury attorney in Glendale can help you calculate the settlement amount based on doctors’ reports and treatment bills.

Property that’s affected by the crash must also be suitably accounted for. This could include damage to the vehicle, as well as loss of personal property — such as a watch or smartphone. The claim should account for the repair or replacement of all belongings, including cosmetic and internal damage, as well as the loss in resale value.

While physical pain is accounted for under medical expenses, your claim can also include the toll the accident has taken on your mental health. Many survivors suffer from high levels of anxiety and stress, which certain states recognize as valid grounds for car accident compensation. Other states may also allow you to claim damages for reasons as subjective as a loss of enjoyment of life.

It may not be possible to immediately jump back into work after an accident — and not many of us have the luxury of taking extended days off work. States account for this by allowing you to claim compensation for lost wages. The figure is easy to arrive at — it’s the income you would have earned had you been able to work. But this car accident compensation also accounts for long-term injuries that impact future earnings.

States also allow the immediate family of the injured party to claim loss of consortium. This compensation for car accidents accounts for the intangible effect the crash has had on a relationship — including a loss of companionship, support, or affection.

Because the scope of this can be rather broad, the spouse is required to prove that they were in a loving relationship with the injured party.

There are several side costs that can be included in car crash compensation. Parking tickets, towing charges, or immediate first-aid requirements are usually categorized under these miscellaneous costs — although this type of car accident compensation is tricky to calculate. The plaintiff must be able to sufficiently prove that these expenses were extraordinary and made solely due to the accident.

Following an accident, there are a few crucial steps that the injured party must take to ensure they qualify for these types of car accident compensation. Here’s a breakdown of your immediate moves:

•     Seek medical aid: Nothing is more important than your health and well-being, so the first step must be to make sure you’re in safe and capable hands. As a bonus, this medical report will also help you prove your injuries at a later stage.
•     Gather evidence: To qualify for compensation, you must provide evidence of being the victim of negligence. This can include photographs, testimonies, or police and medical records that corroborate your stated sequence of events.
•     Call the insurance company: It’s crucial that you do this immediately after an accident. Since insurance agents are usually tricky to handle, it’s also important to preserve all evidence to present when you eventually file the claim.
•     Call an attorney: Having a legal representative on your side this early can help you negotiate your claim and get guidance on dealing with legal complexities.

While each state has its own policies in place, California follows an “at-fault” model — which means that the person deemed to be at fault pays for all damages.

But even if you can’t prove that the accident took place through no fault of your own, you can be entitled to compensation. This is because the state takes a comparative view of the incident to judge how wrong each party is. So, if you’re deemed to be 20% responsible for the accident, you’ll still receive 80% of the damages from the other party. California doesn’t cap the damages you can receive as compensation for a car accident but requires that all personal injury claims must be filed within two years.

Moreover, note that if the plaintiff is out of work at the time, they are only eligible for economic compensation for car accident injuries. Non-economic factors, such as emotional distress or loss of consortium, don’t come into play.

Understanding how the law works can be tricky, but that’s what the professionals are for. So, if you’re having trouble wrapping your head around the claims process, don’t hesitate to work with a dedicated attorney from the Pogosyan Law team.

As a leading law firm in Glendale, Pogosyan Law has helped multiple clients file claims, fight cases, determine faults, and gather evidence. Our team can help you prevent making statements that could harm your case with the insurance company, as well as calculate fair compensation for auto accidents. Schedule a consultation with our car accident lawyers in Glendale to learn more about how we help.