Auto Accidents: Injuries and Compensation
Tennessee Auto Accident Attorneys

Auto Accident Information Center: __________________ Overview Injuries & Compensation Who is at Fault? Insurance Claims Dos & Don’ts Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist What to Do if you are in and accident? Resource Links

Generally, a person hurt in an automobile accident may bring a claim or lawsuit to recover the actual expenses associated with property damage, medical costs, economic damages, and emotional and physical pain and suffering. Recovering full value for your suffering can be complicated. Retaining a skilled attorney familiar with auto accident damages will place you in the best position to receive the recovery that you deserve.

Damages

In automobile accident cases, as in all negligence cases, the injured person may recover for physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, medical and rehabilitative expenses, past and future lost income, permanent impairment and permanent disfigurement. Typical reparations may also include future medical bills that are reasonably certain, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical property damage. A previous injury does not always prevent the right to recover compensation. The injured person may still recover damages for re-injuring or aggravating an earlier injury. In order to keep track of the damages, a person injured in an accident should keep a daily diary describing how the injury affects him or her and his or her immediate family.

Family member's damages

The spouse of the injured party may also be able to recover for damage to the marital relationship. Both the husband and wife usually bring the claim, which is known as "loss of consortium." Loss of consortium generally refers to any negative outcome on the marital relationship caused by the accident, and includes loss of the spouse's love, companionship, comfort, affection, solace, moral support, sexual relations, ability to have children, and physical assistance in the operating and maintaining a home. Loss of consortium can be either temporary or permanent.

Insurance

If the person responsible has insurance, then his or her insurance company should compensate the victim for his or her damages. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not play fair when making their offer.  If the other driver does not have enough insurance or is not insured at all, the victim may be entitled to compensation from his or her own insurance company under the uninsured or underinsured motorist provision. Utilizing this provision of your policy will never make your insurance rates go up, nor will the insurance company be allowed to drop your coverage. Also, other insurance policies, such as the policies of other family members or employers, may provide benefits to the injured party. Even if the person who was hurt was partially at fault, the law may permit a recovery. To protect yourself and your family in the event of an accident, you should contact an experienced attorney to look over your insurance policies and to inform you of your legal rights under your policies.

Recovery Amount

The value of an automobile accident case depends on many factors, including how the collision occurred, how easily the other party's fault can be established, the type and seriousness of the injuries, the type, frequency, and extent of medical treatment required, and the amount of insurance coverage available. Other relevant factors may include how the accident occurred, the extent of vehicle damage involved, whether the injuries are permanent or involve significant scarring, the amount of your past and expected future medical bills, and the effect of the accident on your income. Every personal injury case is different. Therefore, the help of a lawyer experienced in handling automobile accident cases, is vital to determine the fair value of your personal injury claim.

Conclusion

Injuries received in a auto accident can be tragic and life altering. Serious and disabling injuries can affect not only the injured party, but family members as well. Even relatively minor injuries that require medical care and result in lost time from work can have a serious impact on a family. If you are an automobile accident victim and have questions or concerns about your losses, call on our personal injury law firm to assist you by diligently pursuing the individuals or companies that caused your injuries, determining what insurance is available, and maximizing your recovery.

If you have been hurt in an auto accident, contact our attorneys today. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingent fee basis, which means that there is never a fee unless we successfully settle your case.