After being in an auto accident, it can be difficult to figure out what steps to take next. If there were damages sustained in the accident, a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. While about 74% of states require employers to offer workers comp coverage, seeking coverage after an auto accident can be a little more difficult. But it’s important to know what kinds of damages you can seek compensation for after an auto accident. So, let’s take a look at a few common damages to keep in mind for a personal injury claim.
Pain and Suffering
Many people don’t think to seek compensation for pain and suffering after an auto accident, which is often a big mistake. Pain and suffering is essentially any mental or physical distress that results from an accident. Compensation for pain and suffering can vary depending on the seriousness of the pain, the type of injury, and the expectation of future pain from any injuries. Compensation for mental suffering, like experiencing stress or anxiety, may also be possible. An auto accident attorney will be able to decide if the state will recognize the pain and suffering or not.
Medical Expenses
The most obvious compensation sought in personal injury claims is for medical expenses. When an auto accident results in injury or death, there are probably going to be medical expenses — and most medical expenses are not cheap. Depending on how severe the injuries are, personal injury settlements can be rather large. This is one of the many reasons for having a medical examination after being in an auto accident. Not only is it important for health and wellness purposes, it is also important for documenting any and all medical issues after the auto accident.
Lost Wages
Along with medical expenses, lost wages are another, more common type of damage that compensation usually covers. If someone is in an auto accident and can’t work for a period of time, they may be able to receive compensation for the wages they lost during that time. There could be many factors that prevent someone from earning their normal wages after an auto accident — time spent in the hospital, the inability to work, and other problems with mobility should all be considered. An auto accident attorney can help determine to what degree wages were affected and when compensation should be sought.
In addition to those mentioned above there may be other damages that can be claimed after an auto accident. Be sure to ask your attorney about what damages you should seek for the best possible compensation.
If you’ve been in an auto accident, contact the Steigmann Law team today. Our auto accident attorneys have the experience needed to build the best case possible for you.