February 27, 2025 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents
Car accidents are some of the most stressful situations one can endure. After an accident, even if you are uninjured, you will almost certainly be, at the very least, shaken up. If you are involved in a truck accident, the matter is even more dramatic. The events that come after a car accident is almost just as stressful as the event itself.
Dealing with a car accident is time-consuming and, in a lot of ways, in the hands of both the insurance agencies and the car accident police report.
Do you have a car issue after your semi-truck accident that’s proving to be a lot more complicated than expected, or have you been having trouble with the damages that you have to claim after somebody failed to be careful on the road again?
There’s no need to worry.
Car accidents occur daily and they are one of the most common reasons behind personal injury cases, and as long as you calm down and are knowledgeable on what to do, it won’t be as complicated as you expect it to be.
As a victim of a car accident involving a commercial truck, you have every right to be compensated properly for being affected by an act of carelessness and negligence – which is, in more cases, done monetarily.
Related: How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
You’ll have to deal with property damages, medical bills, trauma, treatments, pain, inability to work, and other forms of suffering – which can actually cost you a lot if you aren’t compensated the right way!
As personal injury attorneys, we frequently hear about individuals who took the compensation their insurance provider and at-fault driver’s provider claimed the accident was worth and that was the end of it.
We also frequently see clients who don’t want to pursue additional compensation because they are intimidated by the thought of going to court. Approximately 90% of personal injury claims in the US are settled out of court – so we always recommend pursuing fair compensation. Even if you a lawsuit that ends up going to court is the only option, being uncomfortable in a courtroom is not worth losing thousands of dollars.
Typically, the negligent party’s insurance covers all the necessary costs to defray all expenses as much as possible; however, there are some instances where the other party won’t have insurance, or their insurance company won’t cover all the expenses and only deal with the damage done to your vehicle alone. If you want a smooth process for compensation, you will have to hire a professional car accident lawyer who can easily protect your right to financial compensation in the event of an accident.
The whole process will be as smooth as possible as long as you have the right knowledge, proper documentation of proof of damages from the accident, and accurate and certified medical records that list your injuries in order.
Although you may have an accident lawyer who is an expert, it also helps to know what kind of compensation you can expect from car accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Having the right knowledge of what you can demand can help with crafting a more satisfactory settlement that leaves no stone unturned, which can truly ensure that you’ll be compensated in the best way possible.
In order to help you know what to expect in terms of compensation after a car accident, we’ve prepared a list of the most common types of damages that you can receive compensation for during your settlement:
When it comes to car accidents, property damage compensation primarily revolves around the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Insurance companies evaluate these claims to determine how much compensation you’re entitled to receive, based on the severity of the damage and the estimated repair costs. It’s crucial to have a detailed assessment performed by a professional mechanic, as this documentation forms the backbone of your claim.
Evidence plays a fundamental role in substantiating your property damage claim. Besides the official police report and mechanic’s estimate, you may consider taking clear photographs of both visible and underlying damage. Photos taken at the scene can provide objective proof of the extent of the damage your vehicle sustained. This visual evidence, when paired with a comprehensive mechanic’s report, can help an insurance adjuster understand the impact and justify a fair settlement amount.
The insurance company of the party at fault generally covers property damage compensation. However, if the at-fault party is uninsured, you might need to rely on your own policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. It’s important to carefully review your insurance policy to understand what’s covered. Remember, the compensation will not only reflect the repair costs but also consider the car’s pre-accident value and any diminished resale value due to the accident.
In certain cases, disputes may arise if you’re not satisfied with the insurance offer. You have the right to negotiate, provide additional documentation, or even seek an independent appraisal. Consulting with an experienced attorney can be advantageous, as they can guide you through legal nuances and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Understanding your rights and actively seeking information and documentation can make a significant difference in the resolution of your property damage claim.
Related: What car accident compensation am I entitled to?
When you’re involved in a car accident, one of the most immediate concerns is often medical expenses. These costs can accumulate quickly, covering everything from ambulance fees to hospital stays and follow-up appointments. Medical expenses can be substantial, as injuries might require surgeries, rehabilitation, and even long-term care.
Importantly, you should not only consider the immediate costs but also potential long-term medical needs. It’s common for car accident victims to require ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or medication, which can further add to the financial burden.
Oftentimes, a car and truck accident (or any vehicular accident in general) may result in having you to be brought to the nearest hospital, medically examined, and being attended to right away.
Whether it be a minor injury or a major one, the expenses that need to be shelled out to treat any kind of injury must be duly noted for proper compensation. Here are some of the most common medical expenses you’ll have to deal with after an accident:
Much like a workers’ compensation claim, if there are any injuries that you may have incurred after the car or motorcycle accident that prevent you from being able to work properly, you’ll have to miss out on work – which means losing wages.
With a letter from your employer, along with important information about how much you’re being paid, and a medical report of how many days you’ll be unable to work will help you make your case when trying to receive compensation for any amount of wage you may have lost due to an inability to return to work right away.
When you’re involved in a car or truck accident, it’s not only your vehicle or body that may suffer; your income can also take a significant hit. Lost wage damages aim to compensate for the earnings you miss out on due to injury-related absences from work. This can include the immediate days off needed for recovery, as well as any extended period where your injuries make it impossible to return to work fully.
How to Calculate Lost Wages: Start by determining the number of workdays or hours you’ve missed and multiply that by your standard pay rate. If you’re a salaried employee, this can be a straightforward calculation. However, if your income varies, such as with freelance work or commission-based jobs, you may need to provide additional documentation or past income records to support your claim.
In cases where an accident leads to long-term or permanent disability that affects your earning capacity, you could also claim for loss of future earnings. This would require detailed documentation and might involve economic experts to project your potential earnings had the accident not occurred.
It’s crucial to maintain thorough records, like doctor’s notes that mandate your absence from work, pay stubs, and tax returns. These documents will help substantiate your claim, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your lost time and income.
After an accident, you may undergo physical or mental distress which often results in a compromise of some form in your quality of life.
When you’re involved in a car or truck accident, financial strains are often accompanied by a heavy psychological burden. Pain and suffering damages aim to compensate for these non-economic factors, providing a form of relief for the less tangible consequences of an accident. These damages encompass a range of issues arising from the incident, including physical pain, emotional distress, and in severe instances, the development of mental health conditions such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Some of the conditions that may be classified as pain and suffering include:
The complexity of calculating pain and suffering damages lies in their subjective nature. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, there’s no clear receipt to tally these experiences. However, these damages are no less significant. They are often determined based on the severity of your injuries, the long-term implications on your lifestyle, and expert testimonies. For instance, a person who endures chronic pain or requires ongoing therapy may justifiably receive higher compensation compared to someone with a quicker recovery trajectory.
It’s crucial to document your emotional and physical journey extensively. Keep a journal noting the impact on your daily life, undergoing therapy sessions, or changes in your relationships. Such documentation can be crucial for building a compelling case. While this process might seem daunting, remember you’re not alone. Legal professionals specialize in amplifying your voice and ensuring that pain and suffering, often hidden beneath the surface, receive rightful acknowledgment and compensation.
Loss of consortium may be claimed by the spouse or family members of the injured party. This type of damage compensates for the loss of companionship, affection, and support that the injured person can no longer provide due to their injuries. It recognizes the broader impact of the accident on the victim’s family life.
This type of damage or cost usually refers to any other miscellaneous costs that were incurred after the accident, such as transportation, parking tickets, towing, and over-the-counter medical supplies.
The guide to understanding what costs qualify for this type of damage lies in your usual purchasing habits, wherein it can be inferred that if you don’t pay for those costs normally, then they are part of the out-of-pocket expenses that must be reimbursed or financially compensated for.
The most important steps to take after a car accident of course involve getting to safety and seeking the proper medical attention for any injuries regardless of how serious you think they are. Once you have filed your claim with your insurance agent, you should hear back within a week or two regarding the decision on who is at fault in the car accident and what compensation you will receive.
If you feel you have not been fairly compensated for the damages caused by the car accident, you need to speak with a personal injury attorney. As car accident attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri, we would be happy to assist you with any questions or, if necessary, fighting the decisions made regarding compensation.
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