If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering how much compensation you can expect to receive. The most common form of compensation is the payment of medical bills and the replacement or repair of property (i.e., vehicle) but some people may be entitled to other types of compensation depending on what happened during the accident.
To determine how much compensation you can get, several factors need to be taken into account. This includes the severity of your injuries, who was at fault for the accident, and whether or not you’ve missed any work as a result of your injuries.
Below are some factors that affect the amount of compensation you can get for a car crash injury.
The Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries is one of the most important factors when it comes to compensation. If you’ve suffered a serious injury, you can expect to receive a larger payout than someone who has only suffered minor injuries. According to Shrager & Sachs, filing a personal injury claim entitles an injured person to seek damages for all reasonably necessary medical treatment resulting from the accident and any lost wages due to missed work. Also, a serious injury can lead to long-term physical and emotional damages, which can also be compensated.
Make sure to document your injuries as best as you can with photographs and medical records. This will help to support your compensation claim.
Who Was at Fault?
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you are likely to receive a larger payout than if you were responsible for the crash. This is because the other driver is usually considered to be at fault and is therefore liable for any damages caused. In this case, you would file a personal injury claim against the other driver.
However, if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to receive some compensation, but it will likely be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for the accident, you would only receive 75% of the total compensation.
The state of Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state, which means that fault is determined by comparing the actions of each driver involved in the accident.
Did You Miss Any Work?
If you’ve missed any work as a result of your injuries, you can expect to receive compensation for this. This includes both the wages you’ve lost and any money you may have had to spend on medical bills. This is because car accidents can often lead to unexpected expenses, which can be a burden, especially if you’re unable to work.
To receive compensation for lost wages, you will need to provide documentation such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer. Again, you should also keep track of any medical bills you’ve incurred as a result of the accident.
The Type of Injury
The type of injury you’ve suffered can also affect the amount of compensation you receive. Generally, the more serious the injury, the higher the payout. Some common types of injuries that can result from a car accident include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, whiplash…
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, you can expect to receive a larger payout than someone who has suffered a minor injury such as a concussion. Of course, every case is different and the severity of your injuries will be taken into account.
The Circumstances of the Accident
The circumstances of the accident can also affect your compensation. For example, if the other driver was speeding or driving under the influence at the time of the accident, this would likely increase your payout. This is because the driver would be considered to be more at fault for the accident.
Similarly, if the accident occurred because of a defect in the car, you may be able to receive compensation from the manufacturer or dealer.
There are a few different types of compensation that may be available to you, depending on the circumstances of your accident. These include cover for medical bills, car repair or replacement, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and more.
Make sure to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured in a car accident, as they will be able to help you determine what type of compensation you’re eligible for.
Age and Income of the Injured Person
If you’re a minor or an elderly person, you may be entitled to receive more compensation than someone who is in the prime of their life. This is because minors and elderly people are often more vulnerable and may have a harder time recovering from injuries. This also means that they may require more medical care as a result of the accident.
Likewise, if you’re not working or you have a low income, you may be entitled to more compensation than someone who is working and has a higher income. This is because you may have a harder time making ends meet if you’re not working or if you have a low income.
The Impact of the Injuries
Another factor that will be taken into account is the impact that the injuries have had on your life. For example, if you’ve suffered a serious injury such as a spinal cord injury, this can lead to a loss of mobility. This, in turn, can impact your ability to work and your quality of life.
Similarly, if you’ve suffered an injury that has resulted in disfigurement, this can also have a significant impact on your life. The physical and emotional pain and suffering that you’ve endured will be taken into account when determining the amount of compensation you receive.
The amount of compensation that you can receive for a car crash injury can vary significantly depending on the factors involved. Some of the most important factors include the type of injury, the circumstances of the accident, and how much impact the injuries have had on your life.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand what type of compensation you may be entitled to.
