Car accident injuries catch most people by surprise. After all, most newer vehicles do an excellent job of keeping occupants safe when a collision occurs. However, human bodies are never totally okay after a car crash, regardless of how little damage their vehicles have. If you have been hurt by a careless, distracted, or bad driver, you are likely entitled to be paid for your injuries. Read on and find out what this means to most victims.
Treatment Is Vital
If you are to be paid for anything beyond your vehicle damage, you must see a doctor after an accident. It doesn't matter who you see — you can go to the emergency room, urgent care clinic, or make an appointment with your own doctor. Let them know that you have been in a car accident so that they will know who to bill for your treatment. You should not need to use any of your own money or healthcare insurance for treatment but make a note of it if you do. Even if your injuries appear minor, get yourself checked out.
Follow Up with a Lawyer
To be paid for all your damages and not just one or two of them, should also speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will also be interested in your injuries so be ready to give them a summary of your medical treatments so far. The dollar amount of your medical care can turn out to be an important aspect of your case. Your total compensation package is made up of these damages:
- Your wrecked vehicle and any other personal items lost or damaged in the accident.
- Lost wages from your job because of the accident.
- Pain and suffering.
- Medical expenses.
When all those things are added together, you can begin to get an idea of what you are entitled to be paid in an accident settlement. However, in many cases, your pain and suffering call for additional calculations. The dollar amount of your medical bills can be multiplied several times to form your payment for pain and suffering. That means that higher medical treatment costs will sometimes translate into higher pain and suffering payments.
Future Needs
In addition to your past and present medical treatment costs, you may also need help in the future with medical issues. For example, if your doctors predict you will need more surgery on your leg in a few months, the cost of that should be added to your settlement. Your lawyer will help you evaluate your future needs so that you can be paid what you deserve both now and in the future.
To find out more about how your injury affects your final compensation package, speak to an auto accident attorney.
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