Pain And Suffering After A Car Accident: The Facts
ShareWaiting for a settlement after a car accident can be a long process. Insurance companies can take months to get the details of the accident in order to determine how much your settlement will be. If you are also suing the driver directly for pain and suffering, this process can take even longer. When it comes to deciding how much money you should be paid for your pain and suffering, there is no special formula to decide. If you are suing for pain and suffering after a car accident, there are some things you need to know:
Pain and Suffering Settlements Are Not One in the Same
There is no one correct way to decide on a figure for pain and suffering. The final settlement figure is based on the details of the accident and your subsequent injuries and losses. The settlement will be based on the type of accident, the condition of the people involved, whether or not the other driver was acting in an egregious manner at the time of the accident, whether or not drugs and alcohol were involved, and other pertinent information. All of the evidence will be carefully scrutinized to determine how much money you should be offered for your pain and suffering.
You Need Proof to Get a Pain and Suffering Settlement
To receive a fair pain and suffering settlement, you need evidence. Your medical records and police reports will be the largest sources of evidence. You also need additional evidence, including photos of the accident scene, proof from your employer that you were out of work due to your injuries, photos of your damaged vehicle and property, and witness statements.
Your Injuries May Impact Your Final Compensation
If you have serious injuries that take a long time to recover from, you may receive a higher compensation package. To get the most from your case, you must be diligent when it comes to your injuries and how you handle them. You should have sought medical treatment right after the accident to get the injuries on record. You should also follow up with every doctor's appointment, attend all therapies prescribed, and have any procedures recommended by your doctor. When you are compiling your evidence for your pain and suffering case, you need all your medical documentation. You may even ask your doctor to prepare a statement about your injuries, how they have impacted your life, and the expected length of the recovery process.
For more information, contact a car accident injury lawyer near you.