Being involved in an automobile accident is a shocking event. A driver or passenger never expects to experience such an event. Moreover, an accident victim does not expect to deal with the aftermath of a car crash. This is not only emotionally overwhelming, but a victim is likely to endure serious injuries that are difficult to recover from. Therefore, it is important for car accident victims to understand what recourses are available to them and what types of damages they could collect.
When filing a personal injury claim, accident victims in Massachusetts and elsewhere must suffer from some type of injury. If a victim did not suffer any injuries in the crash, than the person is not able to collect compensation through this type of legal action. After suffering a serious injury in an automobile collision, a chief complaint by a victim will likely be medical expenses.
Depending on the type or types of injuries, an accident victim might require a strenuous road to recover. Therefore, it is likely that a victim will require fund to address current expenses, such as physical therapy, ambulance fees, medical accessories and in-home services and future medical expenses, such as medical treatment, surgery and rehabilitation. Additionally, accident victims are able to collect compensation for disfigurement, permanent disability and pain and suffering.
Because the injuries suffered could be extensive and life altering, it is likely that a victim is unable to work while the person recovers. This will likely cause a loss in income. Therefore, victim could collect damages for lost wages.
Lastly, accident victims could collect compensation for loss of affection of companionship. If an injury deprives a victim and his or her spouse or significant other of the ability to show affection, this is a viable damage that could be recovered.
If people have been injured in a car accident, it is important to understand what options are available. A negligent driver could greatly impact the life of an accident victim, and a civil action seeks to help correct that situation.
Source: Findlaw.com, “What Kinds of Damages May I Claim for Car Accident Injuries?” accessed Sept. 30, 2016
