What Types of Injuries Are Compensable After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you probably know that your injuries are going to be compensable. That is to say, the person responsible for the car accident is going to be responsible for reimbursing you for the costs of your injuries.

But exactly what types of injuries are compensable after a car accident? And how do you make sure you get the compensation you deserve?

Personal Injury Law and Compensable Damages

Personal injury law describes compensable damages. Depending on the nature of the accident and the scope of the damages you sustained, you may qualify for damages in a variety of different categories.

After a car accident, you should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you determine liability in your car accident, establish a strong case in your favor, negotiate with opposing counsel, and eventually help you reach an agreement that all parties are satisfied with. In most cases, compensation will be paid out by insurance companies.

Compensable damages in car accident cases include things like:

•       Property damage. First, you’re going to qualify for compensation for any property damage you sustained as a result of the accident. That includes any damage to your vehicle, as well as any damaged or lost property as a result of the accident.
•       Medical bills. You’ll typically qualify for compensation for any and all medical bills that you can show were causationally linked to the accident. That includes the costs of appointments, surgeries, treatments, and much more.
•       Prescription medication costs. As you might imagine, this also includes compensation for prescription medication costs. If you have to take any medications as a result of your injuries, the person responsible for the accident will cover them.
•       Expenses associated with physical therapy. Some types of car accident injuries can’t be repaired right away; you may need to undergo weeks, or even months of physical therapy to return to normal. Thankfully, your expenses in this category will likely be covered as well.
•       Lost wages. If you’re out of work because of harm you’ve suffered from the car accident, you will likely qualify for reimbursement for your lost wages.
•       Pain and suffering. In many cases, you may also qualify for damages related to your pain and suffering. This is largely a subjective matter, but you’ll need to present evidence related to what you’re experiencing.
•       Punitive damages. In very rare cases, plaintiffs can also be awarded punitive damages, which are meant to punish the opposing party for egregiously wrong behavior.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Motor vehicle accident injuries range from mild to severe, and can hypothetically affect any area of the body. However, there are some injuries that are much more common than others. These include things like whiplash, broken bones, concussions, and contusions.

No matter what, it’s important to get proper medical attention for these injuries. If you don’t treat them right away, or if you don’t follow doctors’ instructions, it may complicate your ability to win compensation for them.

Priorities After a Car Accident

These are your top priorities after a car accident:

•       Get to safety. Your top priority is getting to safety as soon as possible. That way, you can prevent further harm to yourself and the people around you.
•       Get medical help. Next, you need to get medical help. In most cases, the smartest move is to go to the hospital right away. If you forego this option, you should at least schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
•       Gather evidence. Gather as much information as you can on the scene of the accident. Take photographs and videos of the damage that was done. Write down the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident. Retrieve any dash cam footage you have and keep it safe. And consider getting accounts from eyewitnesses.
•       Follow all recommendations and advice. When you start seeing doctors and other medical providers, follow all recommendations and advice. You may need to prove that you acted the way a reasonable person would in pursuing treatment.
•       Keep detailed records. Throughout this entire process, you should keep detailed records. Keep all your receipts, keep a log of your appointments, and write down everything you can remember about your journey to recovery.
•       Contact an attorney. After seeking medical attention, you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you figure out what to do next.

Many types of injuries and many types of harm are fully compensable after being involved in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. However, you’ll need to carefully consider your priorities and act carefully in the aftermath of your car accident if you want to maximize your compensation.