If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering what damages are available. What bills should you be giving to the insurance company for the driver who hit you? What is the responsible driver supposed to pay? The car accident damages that you should expect include the losses you suffer because of the crash. These losses include your physical harm, the damage to your car, medical bills and lost wages.
Property Damage or the Damage to your Vehicle
If you are in an accident, your car may wrecked. It may even be totaled. Here are some tips on how to start the process of getting your car repaired.
- Repair Estimate – take your car, or have it towed, to a reputable repair shop. Ask the repair shop for a detailed estimate to provide to the insurance company.
- Get a Rental Car – either through your insurance company or theirs, get a rental car. Make sure you understand the daily rental limits before you sign anything.
An attorney can help you maximize your property damage claim and minimize the amount you have to pay out of pocket.
Hospital Liens and Medical Bills
If you need medical attention, get it. Get the care you need. You may need to use your health insurance even though you don’t want to. They say that since the other driver was at fault, he should pay. This is true. You may have to front the bills. Your health insurance can be used to offset your out-of-pocket costs.
Keep in mind, if you do end up recovering any money from the accident, your health insurance company may want to be paid back. An experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate that amount with your insurance company.
Hospitals are required to provide emergency care to patients. Under Chapter 55 of the Texas Property Code, a hospital can file a lien looking to be repaid. Your attorney can help negotiate the amount of any lien.
Keep your receipts from any co-pays. Whether you have to pay for medical supplies, prescriptions, or doctor visits, keep your receipts. Give them to your attorney to help them keep track of your damages.
How Much is my Case Worth?
Your attorney and the other side’s insurance company should consider all of your car accident damages. This includes:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills – After your treatment has been completed. It’s hard to calculate damages while treatment is ongoing. Attorneys have tools for estimating future medical costs.
- Incidental losses, and
- Pain and suffering.
Be sure your attorney has all of this information. Tell them all of the doctors that you have seen and treatment you’ve had as a result of the accident. Let your attorney know about changes in your daily life. Your family can be helpful here. Often we cannot measure our pain, but our family members who see us every day may be able to.
Every case is different. And the value of every case is different. The law impacts the value. The venue impacts the value. The extent of your injuries may affect the case value. You cannot expect your neighbor’s results in your case. Trust the personal injury attorney that you hire and participate in the process.
Contact a Car Accident Damages Attorney for Help
If you are injured in a car crash, you may be compensated. An attorney can help you maximize your damages. Hire a car accident attorney who will work hard to get the compensation that you may be owed.
