Financial compensation for the damages you suffer in an Albany car accident needs to be comprehensive. You should seek a figure that covers both your current losses and expenses and future financial burdens the accident may impose.
Here are the 5 important questions you should ask yourself:
How Much Have I Spent On Medical Care?
You should be scrupulous about recording every medical expense you have to pay as a result of your accident. You’ll need to pay for a doctor’s visit or a trip to the hospital at the absolute minimum. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may also need to pay for surgery, x-rays, tests, medication, and much more. Hold onto all bills and receipts you receive from healthcare providers. Keep track of associated expenses, too: Did you need to buy more gasoline than usual to go to all of your medical appointments?
In many Albany car accidents, medical costs account for a majority of victims’ damages. When you’re injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you shouldn’t have to bear this financial burden.
Just How Badly Have I Been Injured?
Make sure you inform your doctor completely about every injury or change you experience after an Albany car accident. Don’t overlook things that “don’t feel that bad” or injuries that seem minor. Keep a watchful eye on your health over time, too. Many of the injuries that can be caused by a car accident get worse over time and may not be noticeable immediately after the accident.
Give careful consideration to any long-term or permanent changes caused by the accident. Have your injuries changed your ability to live the way you did before the accident? Have you been left permanently scarred or disfigured? Has the challenge of dealing with your injuries inflicted emotional pain?
One of the great advantages of working with talented car accident attorneys is that they will assist you in fully accounting for the effects your injuries have on your life and covering them appropriately in your claim.
Will I Have Future Medical Expenses?
Make sure you speak to a doctor about your long-term prognosis after being injured in a car accident. Will you have ongoing needs for treatment, therapy, or other forms of care? Will the permanent effects of your injuries have any impact on your current job? Could your injuries prevent you from taking other jobs in the future?
Do I Need To Repair Or Replace My Vehicle?
In most car accidents, your vehicle is going to suffer some damage. This can be very expensive to repair, and sometimes the only practical option available to you is to replace your vehicle entirely.
As with your medical expenses, make a habit of tracking your vehicle repair costs. Keep all bills, estimates, and quotes you receive; all of these expenses will be part of your insurance claim.
Has The Accident Forced Me To Miss Work?
Unless your injuries were extremely minor, you’ll probably have to take time off from your job after a car accident. Accidents impose a lot of financial burdens on you, and when they also restrict your access to your income, they can cause plenty of long-term stress.
Any income you’re forced to miss because of the accident can and should be included on your insurance claim. Compensation for missing work can also include long-term effects, like missing out on raises, commissions, or promotions because of your injury.
Keep a thorough record of the work time you’ve missed. Speak to your attorney about converting this into a practical figure for financial recovery.