In the busy streets of New York, more than 600 crashes happen, leaving victims wondering how much they should be getting paid. While a tool to calculate car accident payouts is incredibly useful, many people end up selling themselves short and miss out on a lot of money. If you’re unsure how to navigate the process, a personal injury law firm NYC can help you maximize your compensation and ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
This article outlines all you need to know about receiving the proper amount for vehicle accident compensation in New York. By calculating the actual worth of your claim and knowing the amount to which you are entitled under New York law, you will have a clear picture of the many forms of compensation you may be eligible for. If you’re unsure how to approach your claim, a car accident lawyer NYC or an accident lawyer New York can assist you in navigating the complexity of the procedure and maximizing your compensation.
When You Can Claim Compensation Outside of No-Fault
If your injuries qualify under New York’s definition of a “serious injury,” you can seek more money through a personal injury lawsuit. “Serious injuries” include, for example:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture (broken bone)
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss or limitation of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- A non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing your usual daily activities for at least 90 days within the 180 days following the accident
So if you’re hurt, if something stops working right, or you can’t do the regular things for a solid three months because of an accident. You can pursue compensation for pain and the additional expenses that pile up beyond the standard no-fault coverage.
Types of Damages You Can Claim
Understanding the costs you can claim after a crash is crucial. These include:
- Economic Damages (Medical bills, lost wages, repair costs)
- Non-Economic Damages (Pain, suffering, emotional distress)
Economic Damages
Here’s what these include:
- Medical bills (Emergency care, surgeries, treatments, prescriptions)
- Lost wages (You get 80% of the cash you missed out on; can’t be more than $2,000 a month)
- Property damage (The cost to repair your vehicle or its value if you need a replacement)
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages deal with the emotional hit and mental effects of the crash, like pain, suffering, mental distress, and not being able to enjoy living your life.
Figuring Out Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are pretty subjective and hard to quantify. They’re calculated using the multiplier method, where you multiply your total economic damages by a number between 1.5 and 5 based on how severe your injuries are.
Alternatively, the per diem method involves assigning a daily rate to your pain and suffering and multiplying it by the number of days you’ve been affected.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider consulting a personal injury lawyer if:
- You got some bad or lasting injuries
- The insurance company are offering a lowball settlement
- Determining who’s at fault is unclear.
Having a lawyer on your side might just be what you need to deal with the mess of your situation so you grab every penny you deserve.
Overall
Understanding how compensation is determined after a car accident in New York is crucial. You must consider financial and emotional factors while staying up-to-date with the latest rules. By doing this, you’ll be on track to make sure they don’t shortchange you on your claim.
