Car Accidents
A severe car accident is a stressful experience. Even the best drivers cannot always avoid the negligent actions of others. If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, it is essential to submit a thoroughly prepared claim to the insurance company. Balukh Law can help you handle all aspects of car accidents, whether complex or straightforward. If you are in a car accident and have questions about your legal rights, contact Balukh Law before you talk with the person's insurance company at fault.
The car accident settlement process
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. This process involves more than simply submitting a claim to the negligent driver's auto insurance provider. It often involves a lengthy investigation of your accident and negotiation between your attorney and the insurance company. If you could not settle through negotiation, a lawsuit and an appearance in court may also be required. By working with Balukh Law, you can give your claim a better chance of resulting in a favorable settlement for you and your family.
Essential steps to take after a car accident
1. Do not make a quick decision to admit your fault. Your first impression about your responsibility for the car accident can be mistaken. It is essential to avoid admitting fault for a collision without reviewing the first complete facts of the accident. Many accident victims complicate matters by making a quick decision of accepting fault as the insurance company may attempt to use your statements against you later.
2. Decline quick settlement offers. We have seen how accident victims complicate matters by accepting quick settlement offers immediately after the crash from the driver at fault or from the insurance company a few days later. It usually happens before an accident victim understands the true extent of their injuries or other damages that may result from a collision. Contact Balukh Law before you proceed to a quick settlement decision.
3. Timely secure your medical treatment. Timely medical assistance can help to support your bodily injury claim and limit the insurance company's defenses. If you feel pain after the crash, it is vital to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are delaying medical treatment, it can aggravate your injuries, and the insurance company may use such defense against you for failure to secure medical treatment.
Damages in Automobile Collision Cases
The measure of damages for personal injuries is the sum that will compensate an accident victim for all losses that that person sustained as a proximate consequence of a wrongful act or omission and established with reasonable certainty. Damages include compensation for pain and suffering, aggravation of a previous condition, disfigurement, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, household expenses, property damage, medical expenses, attention, and support during a period of disablement, etc.
The value of your case depends on several different factors, including:
1. Medical expenses. You are entitled to compensation for costs incurred for necessary medical care, medical attendants, nursing services received, and hospital bills and services received, which are related to the injuries you suffered in the automobile accident. This includes your past and future medical care and travel expenses for medical care.
2. Economic losses. You are entitled to economic losses "lost wages" if the injury rendered you unable to continue earning prior wages or at previous occupation. Also, when it becomes apparent that your injury has caused a disability or permanent diminution of the ability to earn money, you are entitled to compensation for impaired earning capacity. However, if you are self-employed, an increased cost of labor and of doing business incurred as a result of the loss may be considered in determining the extent to which your earning power has been impaired.
3. Non-economic damages. Pain and suffering experienced in the past or which probably be experienced in the future, "reasonable probability" of future pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, embarrassment or mortification experienced by the injured victim of a car accident, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and emotional trauma are common forms of non-economic damages after an accident.
Contact Balukh Law to request a free legal consultation via our contact form or call our office at (253) 887-1101.