One of the most stressful things that can happen to a person is getting into a car accident. It’s stressful for so many different reasons, including the fact that it puts your life at risk, and it can be incredibly expensive to repair your car or buy a new one if yours is totaled. Fortunately, some lawyers specialize in helping people just like you recover as much money as possible from the other driver and their insurance company after an accident.
A car accident lawyer will be able to help you figure out what kinds of damages apply to your situation and what steps you should take next. Read on to learn more about what types of damages a car accident lawyer can help you recover after an accident, as well.
What is a Car Accident Lawyer?
A car accident lawyer is a legal specialist who has experience helping people deal with the aftermath of an accident. That includes figuring out what types of damages apply to your situation, drafting a demand letter to the other driver’s insurance company, and negotiating a settlement with the insurance company on your behalf if the other driver is unwilling to accept responsibility for the accident.
Car accident lawyers can work on a contingency basis, which means that they won’t be paid unless you collect money as a result of your accident. The amount of money you can collect will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, whether the accident was the other driver’s fault and the total amount of car damage.
Types of Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit
Vehicle repair and/or replacement costs: If your car was damaged or destroyed in an accident, you’ll need to replace it. The cost of a new car will vary according to the type of vehicle you purchase and its features. If the accident was caused by the other driver, you can recover the cost of the new vehicle (and any towing or rental expenses you incur while waiting for your new car to be repaired).
The total cost of the new vehicle will depend on the type of car you buy and its features, how much the other driver’s insurance company offers you to settle your claim, your car insurance policy coverage amounts, and whether you can negotiate a higher settlement amount.
Lost earnings: If you are unable to work as a result of your injuries from the accident, you can recover the amount of money you would have earned if you weren’t injured (or if you were able to work but weren’t able to earn as much as you normally would have). The number of lost earnings you can claim will depend on your salary and the length of time you are unable to work. Lost earnings are only applicable in cases where the accident was the other driver’s fault.
Statutory damages: If you were inattentive and rear-ended someone, or if you were driving on a suspended or revoked license, you might be entitled to statutory damages. Statutory damages are a set amount determined by the state legislature, and they vary depending on the state you live in. Statutory damages can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Car Repair and Replacement Costs
If your car was damaged or destroyed in an accident, you’ll need to replace it, at a minimum. Ideally, you’ll want to replace it with a car that is just as good as the one you owned before the accident. The cost of a new car will depend on the type of vehicle you purchase and its features. You can recover the cost of the new vehicle from the other driver’s insurance company.
Loss of Earnings
If you are unable to work as a result of your injuries from the accident, you can recover the amount of money you would have earned if you weren’t injured. The amount of lost earnings you can claim will depend on your salary and the length of time you are unable to work. Lost earnings are only applicable in cases where the accident was the other driver’s fault.
Statutory Damages
If you were inattentive and rear-ended someone, or if you were driving on a suspended or revoked license, you might be entitled to statutory damages. Statutory damages are a set amount determined by the state legislature, and they vary depending on the state you live in. Statutory damages can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Conclusion
A car accident lawyer can help you recover money for all kinds of damages after an accident, including loss of earnings, car repair and replacement costs, and statutory damages. If the insurance company is not willing to offer you a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can take the necessary legal action to get you the money you deserve.
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