When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you deserve to be financially compensated for your injuries, losses, damages, and any inconvenience the accident has caused you.
Depending on your state, you might only be able to file a lawsuit if your injuries were, in fact, severe. In this case, it’s even more important that you file because your bills will add up fast. For instance, in Florida, you can only sue the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the state’s definition of severe. Talk to a lawyer to find out if you qualify, and if you do, don’t hesitate to file.
In most states, it’s your legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver(s) to recover compensation regardless of the circumstances. If you’re not sure you want to file a personal injury lawsuit, here’s why you should reconsider.
1. Compensation can help you and your family
If you were injured in a car accident that left you with serious injuries, compensation would help you and your family. You’ll need time off from work to recover, and you’ll need the money to fill in the gaps between what you would have made and your missing income.
2. There’s nothing wrong with being compensated
Another reason to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit is that there’s nothing wrong with being compensated for your injuries and pain.
If you’re someone who feels like it’s wrong to file a lawsuit, even when the accident wasn’t your fault, now would be a good time to change that mindset because if you miss the opportunity to recover compensation, you could be left with a bunch of bills you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
3. Medical bills pile up fast
Medical bills following a car accident can be extensive, ongoing, and unexpected. It’s almost impossible to predict what your bills will be because some injuries require long-term check-ups and physical therapy. You won’t know exactly how long you’ll need some of these ongoing services, and some injuries can lead to other problems that require additional medical care.
The only way to make sure all of your future medical bills are taken care of is by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. When you do, your attorney will make every effort to recover the compensation you deserve.
4. Compensation will help pay your household bills
One thing you may not have thought about is how you’ll pay your household bills. Medical bills are one thing, and if you can get those bills covered by an insurance settlement, that’s great, but it won’t do anything for your household bills.
While you’re recovering, you’ll still have to pay your household bills, like:
· Internet, phone, and cable TV
· Software subscriptions
· Cellphone bills
· Electricity, gas, water, garbage, etc.
· Property taxes
· Mortgage payments
· Food
· School expenses for your kids
If you’re going to be out of commission for a while, and unable to work, getting compensation through a lawsuit will be the only chance you have at covering your household bills without depleting your savings account.
5. You might be entitled to more than medical bills
There are two main types of compensation you might be entitled to based on your specific circumstances: compensatory damages and punitive damages. Punitive damages are the damages awarded as a way to punish the at-fault driver.
Punitive damages are awarded if/when the judge decides the compensatory damages aren’t enough to discourage the at-fault party from doing the same thing again that caused the accident.
Compensatory damages can include:
· Medical bills, including hospital stays, rehab, prescriptions, physical therapy, in-home care, transportation, etc.
· Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
· Loss of irreplaceable items
· Expenses related to canceled or postponed trips
· Pain and suffering
· Decreased quality of life
· Loss of enjoyment of life
· Loss of companionship
· Disfigurement and impairment
· And more
Don’t wait to file your lawsuit – get compensates faster
The longer you wait to file your personal injury lawsuit, the longer you’ll have to wait to get compensated. Whether you settle out of court or go to trial, the process of recovering compensation can be longer than expected, so connect with an attorney as fast as possible to get the ball rolling.
