Getting into a car accident can leave any Pennsylvania resident feeling shaken. Unfortunately, that feeling may be the least of your worries after a serious crash that leads to severe injuries. Your life may change in ways you never could have imagined, and while you attempt to pick up the pieces and move forward, you may find yourself struggling physically, mentally and financially.
If a negligent or reckless driver caused the accident that left you seriously injured, you may understandably feel frustrated and angry over the situation. After all, if that person had been paying attention, driving safely and having consideration for others on the roadways, you likely would not have ended up in the situation you now face. As a result, you may wonder how you could hold that person accountable.
Pursuing damages
In the event that another driver is considered at fault for the incident, you may have cause to file a personal injury claim against that person and any other parties considered liable in the event. This type of civil claim could allow you to pursue monetary compensation for any of the following damages:
- Medical expenses stemming from the incident, such as ambulance fees, emergency room bills, physical or cognitive therapy, permanent disability, medical accessories, and more
- Lost wages that occur due to your inability to return to work either while you recover or permanently
- Loss of affection or companionship
- Pain and suffering due to physical or mental distress as a result of the accident
While it may seem as if receiving these damages should come naturally, a personal injury case would require that you show the court why a certain amount of compensation would suit your circumstances and prove that the actions of the other party directly contributed to the hardships you now face. Though it may be challenging, many people facing such a scenario have found success in similar civil court cases.
Amount of compensation
The actual amount of compensation you could receive if your cased proved successful could depend on a number of factors. While certain damages, like medical expenses, have a fixed price attached that you can prove with your medical records and bills, other issues, like pain and suffering, are not so easily quantifiable. However, the court typically has certain criteria that it considers, and you may have the ability to gain much-deserved restitution.