Following a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, you’re likely dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income from missed work, and vehicle repairs. Additionally, you may be experiencing physical and emotional pain that affects your life. You may be entitled to money for your losses, but you need to understand the damages you can claim to ensure you get fair compensation.
You can claim damages for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain, and suffering, as well as other related expenses. It’s essential to build a strong case to support your claims, and our experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers can help you through the process.
Medical Expenses and Bills
After a Fort Lauderdale car accident, you’re likely to face a mountain of medical expenses and bills. You may need to pay for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments like physical therapy and medication. These costs can add up quickly, causing significant financial strain.
You may also need to pay for diagnostic tests, medical equipment, and transportation to and from medical appointments. Additionally, you may need to pay for future medical expenses, such as follow-up surgeries or long-term care.
It’s crucial to keep track of all your medical expenses and bills, as you can claim these damages in your Fort Lauderdale car accident case.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
If you’ve been injured in a Fort Lauderdale car accident, you’re likely missing work and losing income as a result.
You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including any paychecks you’ve missed since the accident. You may be eligible to recover lost income from the time you were injured until you’re able to return to work. This includes wages, salaries, tips, and other forms of compensation you would’ve earned if not for the accident.
Additionally, you may also be able to recover damages for future earning potential if your injuries will impact your ability to earn a living in the long term. A ripple effect of uncertainty can spread throughout your life when a car accident disrupts your career trajectory. You may be forced to adjust your long-term goals, and your future earning potential can be greatly impacted.
Property Damage and Repairs
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you’re likely dealing with more than just physical injuries – your vehicle has also suffered damage. You’ll need to factor in the cost of repairs, which can be substantial, as well as any rental car expenses you incurred while your vehicle was in the shop.
Additionally, you may also be able to recover for the lost value of your property, as the accident may have reduced your vehicle’s resale value.
Vehicle Repair Costs
After a Fort Lauderdale car accident, you’re likely facing a lengthy and costly repair process. You may need to pay for parts, labor, and other expenses to get your vehicle back on the road. Fortunately, you can claim these costs as part of your damages in a car accident case.
Be sure to keep detailed records of all repair estimates, invoices, and receipts, as these will be essential in supporting your claim. Your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurer may cover some or all of these expenses, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the terms of your policy.
Rental Car Expenses
While your vehicle is in the shop, you’ll need a reliable way to get around, which is where rental car expenses come into play. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of transportation costs due to someone else’s negligence.
You can claim rental car expenses as part of your property damage claim. Be sure to keep receipts for all rental car costs, including gas, tolls, and parking fees. Your rental car expenses will likely be reimbursed by the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If you’re unable to work or attend school due to your injuries, you may also be able to claim loss of use damages, which can help cover additional transportation costs.
Lost Property Value
Your damaged vehicle’s lost property value is a significant aspect of your property damage claim. It refers to the decrease in your vehicle’s value due to the accident. Even if your car is repaired, it may not be worth as much as it was before the crash. You’re entitled to compensation for this loss.
To calculate lost property value, you’ll need to get your vehicle appraised before and after repairs. The difference between the two values is the lost property value. Keep in mind that this amount can be substantial, especially if your vehicle was newer or had low mileage. Be certain to include this in your claim to help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
Pain and suffering are certainly among the most debilitating consequences of a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, leaving you to deal with physical and emotional distress that can persist long after the initial crash. As you face the aftermath of the accident, you may experience chronic pain, limited mobility, or emotional trauma that affects your daily life.
You may be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages, which can greatly impact your quality of life. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you quantify your pain and suffering, taking into account factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical treatment, and the impact on your daily activities.
Emotional Distress Damages
Following a Fort Lauderdale car accident, emotional distress can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. You may experience anxiety, fear, or depression that affects your daily life. As a result, you may be entitled to emotional distress damages. These damages compensate you for the emotional pain and suffering you’ve endured due to the accident.
To prove emotional distress, you’ll need to provide evidence of your symptoms, such as therapy records, medical bills, or testimony from friends and family. You may also need to undergo a psychological evaluation to document the extent of your emotional distress.
Other Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Beyond emotional distress, a Fort Lauderdale car accident can also impact your finances and overall well-being in various ways. You may be entitled to compensation for other economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you can claim damages for the loss of enjoyment.
- Scarring or disfigurement: Permanent scarring or disfigurement can affect your self-esteem and confidence, leading to additional non-economic damages.
- Travel and accommodation expenses: You may be able to claim reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs related to medical treatments or therapy sessions.
An Experienced Lawyer Can Help You Identify the Damages You Are Eligible to Claim Following a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale
You’ve been through a traumatic experience, and now it’s time to focus on recovery. Remember, you don’t have to bear the financial burden alone. By understanding the types of damages you can claim, you can seek the compensation you deserve. At Anidjar & Levine, founded in 2005, we have been helping injury victims like you for the last twenty years.
From medical expenses to emotional distress, every aspect of your life can be affected by an accident. Get a free case review today, then visit our blog page for more information.