Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and can be devastating. As a result, many people want to know how much money they could receive if they were unlucky enough to have one. The answer is not straightforward because there are so many variables that need to be considered.
Here’s what you need to know about accident compensation and injuries:
What is the difference between personal injury and general damages?
Personal injury covers pain and suffering as well as any physical or mental impairment caused by your accident.
General damages cover financial losses such as loss of earnings or future earning potential.
These will depend on your age, occupation before the injury, level of education etc.;
What should I do after my accident?
The first thing you need to do is go straight to the Accident and Emergency department of your nearest hospital. After that, contact a pesonal injury solicitor. You will then provide them with details about your accident, medical records etc.
How are injuries categorized by the courts?
Injuries are divided into three categories:
- Category 1 includes injuries such as broken bones or lacerations requiring stitches
- Category 2 includes injuries such as soft tissue damage
- Category 3 includes neurological damage including concussion, psychological trauma etc.
What factors influence compensation awards?
There are many factors that have an impact on the amount of compensation you could receive for your car accident claim
These include:
* The severity of your injuries
* The amount of treatment required
* Your age, occupation and level of income before the accident
* Your life expectancy
What happens if I make a full recovery? Does it mean I get nothing from my car accident claim?
Not necessarily. Even if you have made a complete recovery, there may be long term effects that affect your lifestyle in terms of pain, mobility etc. If this is the case then you could still receive compensation for your claim.
What amounts are typically awarded for accident compensation claims?
In order to calculate the average amount granted, you need to take into account both personal injury and general damages.
This figure sits somewhere between £1.5 – £4 million. The final figure will depend on a number of factors such as your age, profession etc. As a result it is difficult to provide an accurate answer without taking all of this into consideration.
Find out more about car accident compensation claim amounts