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The road to recovery after an auto accident can feel long and complicated. Along with the physical pain and emotional toll, the financial strain of medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected costs can add significant stress to an already difficult situation.
Considering that more than 1 in 5 Americans has no emergency savings (Bankrate), many people simply cannot afford to face the aftermath of a car crash alone, especially when the accident wasn’t even their fault.
Fortunately, there are legal avenues you can take in Wisconsin. Our state allows victims to seek auto accident compensation for their damages. In other words, you can pursue a settlement that holds the at-fault driver accountable for the expenses and trauma you’ve incurred.
At Mahony Law, our personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the claims process. We’ll help you understand what your car crash claim is worth and what kind of settlement you deserve to pursue.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key factors that influence your car accident compensation, from medical bills and lost wages to other critical considerations. With this knowledge, you can file your car accident lawsuit with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Medical bills are one of the primary components of any car accident claim. These can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
With the average emergency room visit in the United States easily costing $1,500 to $3,000 (according to Bettercare), you can see how medical bills can snowball quickly, leaving victims in a poor financial situation.
The compensation you receive for medical expenses typically reflects the actual costs you’ve incurred due to the accident. However, calculating medical damages can extend beyond just the immediate care you’ve received.
If you require long-term treatment, your attorney will factor these future medical expenses into the calculation. For instance, if your injury requires ongoing physical therapy or future surgeries, these costs should be considered when seeking compensation.
Additionally, if your insurance company doesn’t cover the full amount, your compensation will help fill that gap. In some cases, compensation may also cover the costs of medical devices or modifications you need for daily life as a result of your car accident injury.
If the injuries you sustained in the accident prevent you from working, lost wages may be another key component of your compensation. The compensation you receive should reflect the wages you’ve lost due to your inability to work. This can include:
Your attorney will work to make sure that all of your lost wages—both present and future—are accounted for in your car accident settlement. To do this, you’ll need to gather documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and a letter from your employer detailing missed hours and wages, as these will help substantiate your claim with your insurance company.
While medical bills and lost wages are easier to calculate, pain and suffering are more subjective in the eyes of your insurance company. How do you put a number on these intangible damages?
When we say “pain and suffering,” we’re referring to the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. This could include:
This non-economic type of compensation is often determined by a number of factors, including the severity and permanency of your injuries, as well as the impact those injuries have had on your daily life.
To learn how to calculate the monetary value of your pain and suffering, reach out to our team. We’ll help you understand how to seek compensation for non-economic damages like these.
In addition to your personal injury claims, compensation may also cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle. If the accident resulted in substantial damage to your car, the cost of repair—or the value of the vehicle if it’s totaled—should be factored into your compensation.
Your auto accident law firm will help assess whether any compensation is owed for the damage to your vehicle, including loss of use if you had to rely on rental cars during repairs.
Beyond the four we just discussed, there are other potential forms of compensation available that depend on the specifics of your car accident claim. These may include:
The typical car accident settlement in Wisconsin can vary widely based on the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and other unique factors in your case. The best way to understand what’s available to you is to work with an experienced personal injury attorney, right from the start.
The process of calculating car accident compensation can be complicated, especially when it involves ongoing medical treatment or long-term impacts on your ability to work. To make sure things are organized and accurate, keep your attorney in the loop at all times. They’ll ensure all of your damages are accurately assessed and accounted for.
At Mahony Law, our Wisconsin-based team will carefully review your medical records, employment documents, and other relevant pieces of information to ensure you receive compensation for both your economic and non-economic losses. This isn’t a place where we cut corners or make assumptions.
With a deep understanding of personal injury law, we will also help negotiate with your insurance company to confirm you aren’t shortchanged during this challenging time.
The sooner you take action following an auto accident, the better. Evidence can disappear over time, and insurance companies may delay or deny claims. Additionally, the at-fault driver may take steps to negate your claim or diminish their responsibilities.
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit (including a car accident claim) is generally three years from the date of the event. Although this timeline can vary depending on the specifics of your case, missing this deadline could mean forfeiting your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Don’t leave your rights and compensation to chance—team up with an experienced auto accident law firm that will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum settlement for your circumstances.
At Mahony Law, we are committed to advocating for car accident victims in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and beyond. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, let our auto accident law firm help you navigate the complexities of compensation in Wisconsin. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your car accident injuries, medical expenses, and other damages, then advise you on the best path forward.
Abby is the founder of Mahony Law and devotes her time to representing people who have been seriously hurt due to the negligence of others. Abby has handled injury cases of all types, including birth injury, wrongful death, automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and truck accidents.
