Car accidents are the most common type of road accident in Alberta. Sometimes they are minor, other times they can leave you without a motor vehicle and even in the hospital with permanent injuries.
As a victim, you have a right to be compensated for the damages you suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Here at The Accident Lawyers we often get asked, what damages can I claim? So, we have put together a list to help you understand what you could be entitled to.
These are the most common types of damages that you can claim compensation for.
Car damages
If you were a victim of a car accident, the other driver could be fully liable for the repairs to your vehicle and property. Having all the damage documented in the police report is an important step in the repair process. This will enable the insurer and repair company to fix your vehicle and property in a timely manner.
Medical expenses
If you were involved in a car accident, your injuries could be minor like cuts and bruises, or you could be taken to hospital with much more serious injuries. Regardless of your injuries, you should undergo a thorough medical examination to have your injuries documented. Additionally, some injuries may not produce symptoms straight away, so its important to get everything examined by a qualified physician. Here are some of the most common medical expenses arising from a car accident.
- Physical Therapy
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Ambulance Fees
- Doctor consultations
- On-going care treatments
- In-home care treatments
Lost wages
If the injuries you have sustained due to the car accident prevent you from being able to work properly, you will lose your earning capacity. Any time away from work earning your usual wages may be able to be claimed back. You will need evidence in the form of medical reports proving your inability to return to work and how long it will last. Other important information about how much you are usually paid can be in the form of a letter from your employer. With this information, we can make a strong case to get you the maximum return of your past and future lost wages.
Pain and suffering
It is common to experience mental and physical distress after a car accident. Damages for these types of personal injuries depend on the seriousness of pain experienced and the after-effects associated with it. It can include anxiety, stress, trauma and general loss of enjoyment of life.
Out of pocket expenses
This refers to any other miscellaneous costs that you may have incurred during and after the accident. They can be parking tickets, taxis, car towing and medical supplies. If it is an expense you didn’t usually have before the accident, then it is likely you would be able to be compensated for it.
Claiming damages after a vehicle accident can be very complex. We recommend seeking legal advice before claiming or accepting any compensation from an insurance company. Here at The Accident Lawyers, we are highly experienced in claiming damages, so we can assure you will get the best settlement possible.