Car accidents are traumatic experiences for everyone involved. Whether you were physically injured in the crash or walked away with only a few scratches, such an incident can leave people’s lives changed forever. Injuries caused by auto collisions are not always physical, however, but all deserve the same amount of attention and equally determine eligibility for compensation. If you have recently experienced a car accident in which you were not injured, it is still within your rights to pursue legal action. There are a few essential details to be aware of when filing a lawsuit without injury.
Types of Claims You Can Make
As we have already established, not all injuries that are incurred in an auto collision are physical in nature. If you have not detected an external wound, it is still advised that you seek medical attention. The doctor may be able to alert you to harm that you were previously unaware of. If you find that a car accident has emotionally or psychologically impacted you, then you have the right to pursue compensation for this matter.
Such non-physical injuries would be recognized as “pain and suffering,” and they are likely to have an effect on your professional life. If this is the case, then you can file a lawsuit for either lost wages or reduced or lost earning capacity. In many cases, such as that of PTSD, victims of auto collisions are unable to carry on in their regular lives as before. This interruption to your life can negatively affect your wellbeing, and this alone is a foundation for a legal case.
On the other hand, if you did not experience either psychological or physical damages, you still have grounds to sue. For example, if your vehicle or other types of personal property were damaged in the crash, you can file a lawsuit to compensate for your repair and replacement expenses. This is known as a “property damage” claim. The negligent driver should always bear the responsibility of paying for the damages they caused, so these costs should not fall on your shoulders.
As you prepare this claim, you will need to gather documentation demonstrating the value of the property that was damaged, along with estimates for the necessary repairs or replacement. If your vehicle was destroyed in the crash, visit a mechanic and obtain a quote on what it would take to fix it. If the car was totaled, have a written confirmation that it was totaled provided by your insurer. These documents will be used in your case to determine the appropriate compensation award.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Strengthen Your Case
Insurance companies are notorious for low-balling their policyholders. After all, they are businesses and must operate as such. This makes it tough for victims of car accidents to get the funds they need to return to life as usual after the crash. However, with the help of a car accident lawyer, you can circumvent these abysmal settlements and procure the monetary compensation you deserve. Get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to initiate your case.
