If you’re involved in a car accident caused by another driver, it can feel very unfair. Your vehicle is damaged and you’re facing numerous other costs. None of this is your fault, so you want to seek compensation from the other driver.
But what types of compensation do you deserve? It goes far beyond just the damage to your car. Below are a few areas to consider.
Short-term medical bills
To start, the accident may have resulted in emergency treatment in the ER, transportation to a hospital and more. These short-term medical bills can be very expensive, and the costs are directly related to the car accident. The more severe your injuries, the higher these bills are likely to be.
Lost wages or earnings
Next, consider whether the accident caused you to lose income that you otherwise would have earned. Perhaps you missed a few days of work while you were in the hospital, or you were out of work for a month while you recovered at home. You may have lost wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions and more.
Long-term costs
Finally, consider any long-term costs. Perhaps you have permanent injuries and cannot return to work, meaning you deserve compensation for a reduced earning capacity. Or maybe you’re going to need in-home care, future surgeries, medication and other types of medical care. You may be entitled to compensation for these upcoming costs, not just the ones that are immediately obvious.
These are just a few areas to start with. Be sure to carefully consider all the legal steps you’ll need to take to seek the necessary compensation.