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10 Items You Didn’t Know You Could Include in Your Accident Claim
Auto accidents can be life-altering, and navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. When filing an accident claim, many people focus solely on medical bills and property damage. However, there are various other items you might not know you can include in your accident claim.
Law firms like Wettermark Keith can assist you in identifying the damages you may be entitled to and will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation necessary to restore your life and achieve financial stability after an accident.
Types of Damages That Can Be Awarded in an Accident Claim
Your personal injury attorney will typically seek compensation for two main types of damages: economic and non-economic.
- Economic Damages: These are quantifiable costs, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
- Non-Economic Damages: These encompass more subjective costs, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some cases, your personal injury lawyer may pursue punitive damages, though these are much rarer. Such damages are typically sought in instances of gross negligence or intentional harm related to the injury.
10 Unexpected Items You May Be Able to Include in Your Accident Claim
1. Electronics
If your electronic devices were damaged in the accident, you might be eligible to claim their repair or replacement costs. This can include smartphones, laptops, tablets, or any other gadgets affected by the incident.
2. Work Equipment
For individuals who use specialized tools or equipment for their jobs, damage to these items can lead to significant financial losses. If your work tools were damaged in the accident, include the cost of repairs or replacements in your claim.
3. Pets and Their Belongings
If your pet was injured due to the accident, you could claim veterinary bills. Additionally, if your pet's belongings (like a crate or special items) were damaged, those costs might also be recoverable.
4. Mental Health Services
Experiencing an accident can lead to emotional distress and mental health challenges. Therapy or counseling costs incurred as a result of the accident can be included in your claim.
5. Prescription Medication
Injuries often require medication for pain management or recovery. Keep track of all prescription costs, as they can be included in your car accident claim.
6. Clothing, Shoes, and Bags
If your clothing or personal items were damaged in the accident, you can claim their repair or replacement costs. This includes items like shoes, bags, or any other belongings affected.
7. Documents and Paperwork
If important documents (like your driver’s license or insurance papers) were lost or damaged in the auto accident, you could include the costs associated with replacing them in your claim.
8. Cost of Hiring a Caregiver
If your injuries prevent you from performing daily tasks, hiring a caregiver can be necessary. The expenses related to hiring someone to assist you can be claimed as part of your damages.
9. Rental Car Expenses
If your vehicle is damaged and requires repairs, you may need to rent a car while yours is in the shop. These rental costs can typically be included in your accident claim.
10. Loss of Business Opportunities
If your injuries result in lost business opportunities or the inability to work, you may be entitled to claim damages for that loss. This can encompass future earning potential and any contracts or deals you might have missed due to your car or truck accident.
How To Calculate the Value of Your Accident Claim
Calculating the total value of your accident claim requires summing both economic and non-economic damages, along with any additional expenses. Arriving at an exact figure can be challenging, but an experienced personal injury attorney can provide an estimate based on the damages you've incurred, though there are no guarantees. Additionally, you may need to provide evidence to support claims for any additional items you wish to include.
Steps Involved in Filing an Accident Claim
Filing an accident claim can be a complex process, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help you navigate it more effectively. Here’s a detailed look at the steps involved in filing your claim:
- Gather Evidence: Document everything related to your accident, including medical records, receipts, and photographs of damages. Comprehensive documentation strengthens your case and provides proof of your losses.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Reach out to a personal injury lawyer like the experienced legal professionals at Wettermark Keith. A personal injury lawyer is invaluable for making sure your case is as strong as possible.
- Determine Damages: With help from your lawyer, list all items you wish to include in your accident claim, from medical bills to unexpected items. This thorough inventory ensures you account for both economic and non-economic damages.
- Your Lawyer will File Your Claim: Your personal injury lawyer will submit your claim to the insurance company along with all supporting documentation and evidence. A well-prepared claim can expedite the review process and lead to a better outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. While that may seem like ample time, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that evidence remains fresh and to avoid inadvertently missing the deadline.
No, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state. Each state has its own specific time frame, which can range from one to several years. For example, the statute of limitations in Alabama and Florida is two years, but it is 1 year in Tennessee. It’s important to check the laws in your state or consult with a legal professional to understand the applicable time limits for filing a claim.
Economic damages are quantifiable costs like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages are more subjective and include pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Yes, personal items that were damaged or lost in the accident can often be included in your claim.
Calculating pain and suffering damages often involves different approaches, such as applying a multiplier to your economic damages based on the extent of your injuries. Your personal injury attorney can provide an estimate of the potential compensation you might receive, but it's important to note that there are no guarantees.
While hiring a personal injury lawyer isn’t required, their expertise can help you identify all potential claims and maximize your compensation. Most people encounter personal injuries infrequently, but personal injury lawyers handle these cases regularly, bringing valuable knowledge and experience to support your claim effectively.
Trust Wettermark Keith With Your Car Accident Claim
At Wettermark Keith, we have an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. We offer a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security, and VA disability, to name just a few. We believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our clients' stories and make their voices heard. We achieve this by building strong relationships based on constant communication and an unwavering dedication to truth and trust.
Ready to work together? Contact us today for a free consultation.
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