Settling your Bodily Injury Claims from a Car Accident
If you happen to get involved in a car accident, you are more likely to suffer from bodily injuries. In some car crashes and collisions, these injuries can sometimes be fatal. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that a vehicle accident occurs every two minutes across the country, injuring thousands of people every year.
Bodily injuries incurred from car and vehicle accidents may range from minor bruises and cuts to more serious injuries such as head, neck and back, lower body, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can affect or cause serious damage to internal organs such as the nervous system.
Car accident may also lead to catastrophic injuries where a victim could suffer from life-altering consequences such as brain injury, paralysis, or paraplegia and quadriplegia.
Car accident victims are entitled to receive compensation for bodily injuries they incur as a result of another person’s negligence or recklessness. Under the law, a victim may recover the following damages:
- Economic damages which include compensation for present and future medical expenses, loss of income and benefits
- Non-economic damages such as payment for pain and suffering, and loss of consortium, among others.
- Punitive damages
With the assistance of a car accident lawyer, you can settle your bodily injury claims more easily. But first the following documents are essential to your claim:
- Police accident report – This document contains all the information about the accident including the name and address of the other party involved, name of passengers and the time and place where the accident occurred
- Medical report – This contains the medical findings of the physician or doctor who attended to you. This is often accompanied by the medical bills and recommended treatment and medical procedures that a victim must undergo
- Wage loss documentation from employer
- Other documents such as parking receipts which can support your claim
If you live in a fault state like California, you can pursue your claim and hold the offending party liable for your injuries. Liability in car accidents is often pursued by establishing negligence of one of the parties.
Consult with your lawyer before negotiating for your claim with the insurance company. In most cases, the insurance adjuster will review your case and make a settlement offer. Without the assistance of a lawyer, you might settle for less than what you deserve and end up being shortchanged.