If you’ve been in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. This is a type of coverage that can help offset the physical and emotional trauma that you may have experienced as a result of the accident. However, navigating this process can be complicated, so it’s essential to understand how pain and suffering coverage works and what steps you can take to maximize your claim.
Understanding Pain and Suffering Coverage in Auto Insurance
Pain and suffering is a term used by insurance companies to describe the physical or emotional distress caused by an injury. It includes things like mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life activities, depression, anxiety, or fear. The amount awarded will depend on factors such as the severity of injuries sustained in the crash- both physically & emotionally (which would be evaluated based on medical records), duration & intensity of treatment received for those injuries/prolonged effects like PTSD etc., impact on daily routine which affects their overall quality of life etc.
Factors Affecting Car Accident Settlement Amounts
Several factors can affect the value of a car accident settlement. These include the type and severity of your injury, lost wages, property damage, the other party’s actions, your age, your overall health and any pre-existing conditions, pain and suffering, whether you choose settlement or trial, and available insurance coverage.
Maximizing Your Settlement After an Accident
To maximize the value of your settlement after an accident, it’s important to get medical attention and follow doctor’s orders, gather evidence and keep documents, refrain from talking to the insurance company, stay off social media, be patient and don’t take the first offer, and call a car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
What to Avoid While Negotiating a Car Accident Settlement
When negotiating a settlement, avoid talking to insurance companies or making public statements about the case. Anything you say could hurt your case. It’s best to let your lawyer talk to the insurance companies on your behalf.
Dealing with Partial Fault in a Car Accident
In some states, if your negligence contributed even slightly to the crash, you would be barred from recovering any compensation. This is known as a pure contributory negligence doctrine.
