Everyone would love it if auto accident claims were easy to handle. Unfortunately, the truth on the ground is that auto accident cases are not easy to handle at all. They are draining and stressful, especially if you do not know what to do. The only way to get it right is to understand the basics of your settlement claim. You do not want to get frustrated when your insurance company keeps playing a hide and seek game with you yet you have hospital bills to pay for. However, when you understand the basics of an auto accident claim you will be able to contest against cunning insurance agents.
Auto accident settlements are gauged based on the damages and losses sustained. Know more about these through the link. Most of the losses are monetary based and are calculated based on what the accident caused you to lose. The amount of settlement you are to receive depends on four main categories including medical costs, lost income, personal property damage and out of pocket expenses.
Medical costs
This includes reimbursements for costs of all medical treatments and procedures done on the victims after the accident. Know more about this at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_injury. The medical bill includes all expenses from the time immediately after the accident to future expense that will be incurred on treatment as long as they are related to the accident. An attorney you choose to represent you needs to factor this aspect when negotiating for settlement.
Income loses
If you lose your source of livelihood due to an accident then you need to get compensated for it. Hire an attorney that will fight for your reimbursement after calculating your possible income loss. After being involved in an accident, chances are that you may not be able to provide for your family. More about this are discussed if you click the link. Loss of income can be determined by how well your employer who provides your regular earning statements so that the insurance company can compensate you for it.
Personal damage and damage of property
Auto accident settlement offers can be determined by the extent of the damages of your property. You need to calculate the extent of damage or costs of repair and use the estimates to get the best settlement offers. You need to calculate the personal loss that resulted from the accident. A good lawyer will help estimate possible settlements offers.
Pain and suffering
Auto accidents come with pain and suffering. It is important to know how much you have suffered as a result of the accident.