A motor vehicle is any device that is used to transport property or people over public highways and powered by mechanical means. Motor vehicles include automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and even aircrafts.
Two studies showed that interaction with insurance companies when seeking compensation for the result of a motor vehicle accident was associated with higher levels of anxiety. More research is needed to determine why this occurs.
Damages
The value of a motor vehicle accident claim is determined by the specific costs and damages you have suffered. A personal injury lawyer can assist you in determining the fair compensation for your particular situation. Damages are typically classified as "special" and "general." The latter are expenses that can be calculated, for instance, medical bills or car repairs. General damages are more difficult to calculate and may include non-economic aspects such as suffering and pain.
If your injuries were severe enough to be deemed a serious injury under New York state law, you may be entitled additional compensation over and above the insurance company's offer to you. If you suffer from an ongoing disability that substantially affects your quality of life it is possible that you are entitled to compensation for loss of consortium and other non-economic damages.
You may be able to recover the costs of taxis, public transportation or ridesharing services if you were unable to drive following your accident. Additionally, you can recover expenses for maintaining your home or yard if you are unable to do so because of your injuries. You could also be able to recover the loss of resale value for your car that is damaged.
In some cases the defendant could be ordered to pay punitive damages if it is proven that they intentionally caused the accident. These damages are designed to punish the guilty party for recklessness or negligence that is beyond the scope of.
Medical bills
The victims of motor vehicle settlement vehicle accidents typically experience expensive medical bills due to their injuries. Certain car insurance policies provide medical payment coverage (also known as med pay) that can assist in paying these costs. This coverage is typically available regardless of the driver who is at fault for the crash.
It is important to keep in mind that medical coverage cannot replace health insurance. In reality, a victim must always file a claim using his or her own health insurance before filing a claim with the at-fault driver's car insurance company. You may also be able to receive reimbursement for the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments. However, the person seeking compensation must be vigilant about keeping track of and saving receipts for mileage expenses to ensure they receive fair compensation.
The No-Fault insurance can also pay victims for lost wages, if they are unable to work due to injuries. However, the maximum amount that is able to be claimed is $2,000 per month for not more than three years. The No-Fault insurance company may be required by law to offset any Disability or Workers' Compensation, or Social Security benefits received by the injured party.
Despite the financial assistance which may be available, it may take months, or even years, for a fair settlement to be reached. In the meantime medical debt collectors can contact you, and unpaid bills could be a major hazard to your credit score. To avoid this, the victim should establish an attorney-client relationship with an attorney firm that provides representation in auto accident cases.
Loss of wages
You could find yourself in financial difficulty after an accident. Medical bills or credit card debt and loan installments may get a lot more expensive when you are incapable of working. Losing income can also cause stress in your family. A qualified car accident attorney can assist you in recovering lost wages as part of the compensation you receive.
You'll need documents to prove that you've lost wages. This can include proof of your pay, your hourly wage, as well as the number days missed because of injury. This can include a letter from your employer pay stubs, pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and much more. If you are self-employed, or you earn commissions it can be more difficult. However, your knowledgeable lawyer for car accidents will help you gather the evidence to support your claim.
You are only able to recover lost wages as part your car accident claim. You can't recover them from worker's compensation or disability insurance, as this is considered to be as a double recovery.
The insurer with no fault will take you to a physician they employ to examine you and determine if, in the doctor's opinion, your injuries prevent you from working. This is called an independent medical examination (IME), and it is important to note that the physician who performs your IME will be biased toward the insurance company.
Pain and suffering
Unlike medical bills and lost wages, it's hard to quantify the suffering and pain that results from a motor vehicle claim accident. The emotional trauma that comes from the trauma of a car crash can be more debilitating that the physical injuries. A person suffering from PTSD may experience anxiety or insomnia that could prevent them from sleeping well. They may also be unable to drive due to anxiety about another crash.
An attorney can calculate the total amount of non-economic damages and work with a juror to determine how much compensation to award for suffering and pain. The nature of your injuries and their impact on your daily routine can significantly impact the amount which is why it's beneficial to keep a log to keep track of how the injury affects you, or having friends or family members make written statements about your condition.
Certain states limit the amount of compensation available for pain and suffering. New York does not have any cap, however, Motor Vehicle Compensation victims can only start a lawsuit and demand damages for serious injuries. A Manhattan lawyer who handles car accidents can assist you in determining the real cost of your injuries and demonstrate that you are entitled to a fair settlement.
