
Automobile accidents can be overwhelming in the event the accident has been caused by another driver. That’s right, once everyone takes note of the damage, you’ll want to make sure that everything is taken care of.
Sadly, it can be incredibly difficult to know where to begin assessing damage and where to go from there.
Thankfully, we’re going to explain the numerous factors that can have an impact on the value of your vehicular accident.
Accident Value & Factors
It should be noted that there is absolutely no set amount that a person can receive from an accident. Why? Well, with every accident being unique, there’s really no way to have an honest figure at face value. Certain head-on collisions have only pulled in a couple thousand dollars, as some verdicts or settlements have won millions for those who have been injured.
This is where reviewing comes in, as this process can accumulate all of the factors that have been associated with the accident. The main issues that may affect your claim may include:
- The severity of the injuries.
- How long it took to recover.
- How much the insurance is willing to cover.
- Any defects that the vehicle/vehicles may have.
- The actions of the other driver.
The final factor can include such issues as the other driver texting as they were driving or if the other driver was under the influence.
“No Fault” Insurance Systems
In our country, there’s a handful of places that have a “no fault” car insurance policy. A “no fault” vehicle insurance system means that one is capable of pursuing financial compensation in an accident from their insurance company, regardless of if they were responsible for the accident or not. Sure, this system may seem easy to grasp, yet in many scenarios it makes things significantly more complicated.
“No Fault” Injury Threshold
One is capable of bringing a lawsuit (if applicable to the case) in the event the “no fault” threshold is met. States that allow “no fault” laws define serious injury as:
- If one is suffering from a disability that has lasted for over ninety days.
- If one is suffering from a fractured bone.
- If one is suffering from a significant disfigurement.
- If one is suffering from a disability that has become permanent, such as organ damage or limited utilization of a body part (leg, arm, etc.)
It’s also possible that one can take action against the driver responsible for the accident if there was damage to your vehicle or other property damage.
Accident Expenses
After the initial crash, many do not take into consideration the accident expenses related to the impact. Sadly, the crash is only the beginning of a domino effect that comes with a long string of issues. The expenses following an accident can easily go on for weeks, months, or even years after the crash. Such expenses can be:
- Emergency room/medical bills.
- Medical care for long-term issues.
- Physical therapy.
- Nursing care (in home).
- Assistance (in home) with chores around the house.
- Home modification due to serious/permanent injury.
- Repair to the damaged vehicle.
- Replacement of vehicle.
- Income loss due to accident (even more so if injury interrupts work attendance).
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental health/anguish.
Being just a few of the many common expenses that come with vehicle accidents, it’s worth mentioning that there’s plenty more given how unique accidents can be. This is one of the many reasons why one shouldn’t accept the first offer after becoming the victim of an accident. Although such an amount might seem reasonable, it may not scratch the surface when it comes to the overall cost of an accident in the long run.
Car Insurance Coverage
Many states require drivers to have at least a minimum amount of insurance to drive a vehicle, as many minimum insurance plans cover:
- $25,000 for bodily injury (per person).
- $50,000 for wrongful death (per person).
- $50,000 for PIP (personal injury protection) coverage.
- $100,000 for wrongful death coverage (per person).
- $10,000 for damage of property.
Considering the information above, there’s a lot to be learned when it comes to what one can be compensated for from a vehicle accident. So if you’re looking for a car accident lawyer in Macon, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today for further information!