Are You Entitled To Compensation For Your Car Accident?

A car accident is a bad event that can lead to injuries, loss of lives, and property, particularly your car. One question that accident victims often ask is if they are entitled to compensation. This is a very broad discourse, as there are different types of compensation and crucial factors of the accident to consider. In this article, we will highlight everything that you need to know about accident compensation.

Lawsuit Filing Window

The first thing to determine when it comes to compensation is if the lawsuit filing window is still open. You could file a lawsuit if the accident occurred some weeks or a few months back. However, if a year has passed since the accident, then it might not be so straightforward. You will need to determine the statute of limitations regarding the claim you want to make. If the lawsuit filing window has passed, you will not likely get compensation.

Who Was At Fault?

This is a very important question when it comes to car accident compensation. However, it is always difficult to determine who was actually at fault in an accident.

Insurance companies and attorneys usually examine the police reports and eyewitness statements to determine who was at fault. Other materials used to determine the wrong party include the level of vehicle damage, accident scene photos, and surveillance videos from the accident site. If the evidence does not paint a clear picture, it might be hard to apportion fault for the accident.

Factors That Determine How Much Compensation You Get

If you are not at fault for the accident, you are entitled to compensation. However, the amount of compensation that you get depends on some factors. These factors are highlighted below:

The extent of Injuries: The extent of injuries you suffer affects your compensation. If you leave the accident unscathed, the insurance company will likely compensate you only for the vehicle damage and inconvenience. However, you will likely receive a large compensation if you are left with serious injuries such as head injuries or broken bones.
Lost Wages: If the injuries from the accident caused you to take a break from work, then you are entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This does not cover only your salary but also includes lost benefits.
Medical Expenses: You are eligible for compensation if you incurred medical expenses. These expenses cover hospital charges, medications, physical therapy, and more.
Insurance Policy: The insurance policy that has in place is essential when it comes to compensation. There are different types of insurance policies, including collision insurance, liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, and UM/UIM insurance.