Tips for Keeping Track of Your Car Accident-Related Damages
If you have been involved in a Florida car accident, tracking your damages is one of the most crucial steps to take. This is true regardless of whether you plan to seek compensation from your insurance company or another driver’s insurance company. Unfortunately, many car accident victims don’t realize the importance of keeping track of their damages. Without proof of your damages, you may have difficulty recovering compensation. A serious Florida car accident can result in tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages or even more. You don’t want to be stuck dealing with those expenses alone. Ensure you track your damages after a Florida car accident.
Here are five tips for keeping track of your car accident-related damages.
- Thoroughly Document All Your Medical Expenses
Your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company is required to pay for the medical expenses related to the injury you sustained in the accident. Medical expenses can make up a significant portion of your compensation. Maintain copies of all medical records, receipts, and bills related to your treatment. These include copies of;
- Emergency services
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medication
- Treatment plans
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Track Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Apart from medical expenses, you are also entitled to compensation for the expenses you incur related to the accident, including;
- Medical transportation
- Car rental fees
- The cost of home or personal assistance
- Childcare costs
Note down every expense you incur due to your accident, regardless of how minor you think it is.
- Maintain a Journal
If you file a claim against your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, you might not be able to recover damages for your emotional pain and suffering. On the other hand, if you are eligible to file a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance company, meaning your injury meets the “serious injury threshold,” you can recover compensation for pain and suffering.
Proving non-economic damages can be challenging as these damages don’t have receipts or bills. Keeping a daily journal can help you prove your pain and suffering. In your journal, describe;
- Your symptoms
- Your pain levels
- How your injury affects you emotionally
- The impact of your injury on your ability to work and perform other daily activities
- Document Lost Wages
If your injury affects your ability to work, you can recover compensation for lost wages. To ensure you recover all your lost wages;
- Get a letter from your employer indicating how many days you missed work
- Retain your pre- and post-accident pay stubs
- Obtain a medical statement that verifies your work limitations
Sometimes, car accidents affect an individual’s future earning capacity. If a car accident prevents you from returning to your previous job or limits the kind of work you can do, an experienced attorney can help calculate compensation for loss of future earnings.
- Take Pictures
Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and recovery process. These images can be crucial evidence of the severity of the accident and your injuries. Ensure each picture is time-stamped and has a backup.
Contact Our Miami Car Accident Attorneys
Our Miami car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you gather and preserve evidence for your claim. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/insurance/#:~:text=Personal%20Injury%20Protection%20(PIP)%20covers%20you%20regardless%20of%20whether%20you%20are%20at%2Dfault%20in%20a%20crash%2C%20up%20to%20the%20limits%20of%20your%20policy.