An auto accident is a traumatic event that can impact your health, emotions, and mental health and leave lasting physical effects. Healing from an accident is challenging enough, let alone dealing with the legal questions of compensation afterward.
It is, however, essential to know what compensation you are entitled to under the law to be able to access the medical help and support you need.
This blog post will look at different types of compensation that you may be eligible for after an auto accident. We’ll also discuss how an auto accident lawyer can help you with your auto accident injury claim.
Who Can Qualify For Compensation After An Auto Accident?
If you are involved in an accident, you may wonder what compensation is available to you. If someone else’s recklessness or careless behavior caused the auto accident, you might be entitled to compensation.
Who Is At Fault?
The first thing to determine is which driver was at fault for the accident and what are the negligence laws in your state. Negligence laws determine who was at fault for the accident, how the fault can be divided, and what damages the other person is entitled to. Damages are generally rewarded based on each driver’s level of negligence, and these laws vary from state to state.
Insurance Coverage
Many states have a no-fault insurance policy covering medical expenses and damages no matter which driver is at fault for the accident. Suppose you are at fault for the auto accident. In that case, you may not be very successful in suing the other driver for compensation. However, there is still insurance coverage that can help you recover some damages.
If the auto accident is not your fault, the insurance coverage of the other driver may be enough to cover your medical expenses. In some cases, the medical costs exceed the insurance company’s claim. Then individuals can choose to sue the other driver for personal injuries and additional compensation. An experienced auto accident attorney can advise you on the best course of action for your case.
Uninsured Motorist Benefits
If the other driver does not have insurance and it does not look like you will be able to recover your expenses through a personal lawsuit, you can also choose to make a claim with your own insurance company. Some insurance includes uninsured motorist benefits, which you could access in this case.
Questions To Ask Your Legal Representative
When you first meet with your legal representation, you will probably have many questions about your case and how best to proceed. Here are a few questions to ask when you meet.
What Are the Different Types of Compensation I May Get?
Many people assume that they are only eligible for compensation for basic medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced auto accident attorney can often ensure you get the total compensation you are entitled to. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium (loss of physical intimacy with a partner)
- Loss of enjoyment
- Punitive damages
Can my Auto Insurance Cover Physiotherapy, Mental Health Therapy, or Doctor Bills?
The simple answer for this depends on the type of coverage you have and your insurance benefits. Many insurance plans include mental health and physio as part of their overall medical costs, but they may be included in a deductible or billed with a co-pay.
Dealing With Anxiety After An Auto Accident
An auto accident is a challenging event. It is crucial to allow yourself time to process what happened and heal from the physical and emotional injuries. Many people find they feel anxiety after the initial physical assessment and as they start to deal with the long-term effects of the accident.
Finding experienced legal representation to help with your case and advise you on the best course of action can relieve some of this anxiety. It can also be helpful to seek out legal advice to know all of your options, even if you decide to file the claims yourself.
Most people find that the initial overwhelming feelings following an auto accident go away over time. Still, these feelings persist and can even worsen for some people. If these feelings of anxiety start to get in the way of living your regular life, they may be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.
It can be helpful to be gentle with yourself and talk to friends or loved ones about what happened in the accident and how you feel about it. Many people also find that getting regular exercise, eating healthy, and following up with a family doctor for additional referrals help lower their anxiety.
Filing An Auto Accident Injury Claim
If you want to file an auto accident injury claim, there are many things to consider. Each case is different, and it is crucial to understand the timelines and process for your case and state. The first essential information is to find out if the other driver has insurance and to review your own policy’s coverage.
If you think your insurance coverage will be adequate to pay for your medical expenses or damages or the other driver has no insurance, it may not be helpful to file a legal claim against them.
If you want to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, you need the name of their insurance carrier and their policy number. With this information, you can notify the insurance company and send:
- The driver’s information
- Your information
- The accident date
- A notification letter that states you have been injured and will pursue a claim.
It is best to consult an experienced auto accident attorney who can make recommendations and advise you on the best way to handle your case. They can explain all your options and answer questions you may have, even if you decide not to hire them to fight your case.
If you’ve been in an auto accident and have questions for a legal representative, contact us at LegalASAP today to connect with an experienced auto accident attorney in your area.
