Blog Post

7 Expenses to Include in a Car Accident Lawsuit

  • By Admin
  • 23 Jan, 2018
Car — Destroyed Car in Savannah, GA
Car — Destroyed Car in Savannah, GA
Life is very chaotic after an accident. With all that is involved in the recovery of an injury, it is difficult to stay organized. However, it's important to keep everything organized because detailed records make a difference when you file your lawsuit. Because the trauma of a car accident can leave people rattled, here's a reminder of what your lawsuit should include.

1. Recover Lost Property

Auto accidents involve more personal losses than just the vehicle. Laptops, child safety seats, cell phones, and jewelry are also covered. Any personal items that went missing or were destroyed due to the accident should be included. Photographs of the damaged items help to strengthen the claim.

2. Include Lost Income

The victim is eligible for the recovery of all lost wages due to the accident - including the difference between a previous salary and their potential disability payments. Tax returns prior to the accident and current bank statements help to prove the extent of your loss.

3. Remember Future Costs

Immediate medical care after a serious accident is usually only part of the lifetime cost of recovery. Include all recovery expenses related to the event. This is not just the cost of the care itself, but also additional lost work and transportation expenses due to rehabilitation and doctor appointments.

Long-term expenses are difficult for patients to determine on their own. Discuss the case with a physical therapist, doctor, or surgeon and ask them to document current and future treatment plans. Always follow the orders of your medical team and keep all receipts, notices, and other paperwork related to the appointments.

4. Document Special Equipment

Medical devices like crutches and heating pads, as well as supplies like gauze, bandages, and over-the-counter pain relievers, add up over time and should be included. Track purchases like custom orthopedics, adaptive equipment for the home, and other required remodels.

Hold on to any home improvement contracts or bills for completed to make the house accessible. Take photographs before and after any project to show the extent of the effort required to make the home functional. Do not throw out any purchased equipment before the case is settled - even if it is no longer needed.

5. Calculate Special Services

Additional assistance is often needed following an accident. Home health care to treat injuries and provide therapy is covered - as are many other types of assistance. People that are suddenly immobile may need additional day care services, housekeepers, and someone to run errands for them.

6. Detail Life Changes

The loss of participating in a favorite hobby or activity and even the loss of a romantic relationship with a spouse or partner is a recoverable item as well. It is difficult to put a specific price on these things, but they are legally allowed to be included in a lawsuit.

Add to the case by showing how important these events were to your life. Show photographs of bowling trophies or proof of the marathons you once entered. A previous painting, woodworking project, or knitted item is also something tangible that could demonstrate the extent of your loss.

7. Explain Emotional Changes

The trauma caused by a serious accident is something that people experience for years. It may appear as depression, anxiety, or loss of sleep. The inability to drive or ride comfortably in a vehicle prevents people from living fully.

Another consideration, one that is both physical and emotional, is a personal disfigurement. Physical changes affect self-confidence and may lead to depression or anxiety. All of these emotional injuries should also be included in a lawsuit.  

Every accident is different and the expenses will vary in a number of ways. Not everyone has all of the expenses listed here, and there may be others that are not included. Attorneys help people to remember what they have experienced and lost. A prepared individual with documents for proof will have fewer delays and a better chance of getting the justice they deserve.

At the Daryl J. Walker Law Firm, we know that auto accidents are frightening and painful events. We offer knowledgeable and respectful services to help people through this difficult time. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.

By Admin 16 Mar, 2018

Dogs are loving and smart. Dogs are also animals, and all animals can be unpredictable. A dog can bite someone and cause serious injuries without warning. If you have been attacked by a neighbor's dog, you know the effects of this scenario all too well.

For people in your situation, the goal is to determine who is at fault for their injuries. Is it the dog owner or is it the victim? This question is not always an easy one to answer — here's why.

By Admin 22 Nov, 2017
As the winter weather patterns begin, the likelihood of car accidents increases. Winter weather, including snow, sleet, and high winds can result in hazardous driving conditions for motorists that can result in major incidents on the roadways. Mother Nature, unfortunately, is willing to unleash her power that can be devastating when you have to drive often.

One of the best ways to avoid an accident this time of year is to practice common sense when you are driving. If the weather is poor, you will need to drive slower and proactively. It is crucial that you know how to react if you hit a patch of ice with your tire so that you minimize your damage as much as possible.

However, as careful as you can be, you cannot control how others behave on treacherous highways. When other drivers drive less than carefully, or downright dangerously, it is very easy for them to lose control and impact others on the road.

The following is some information you will need to know about driving in dangerous winter weather, as well as what you can expect should you become involved in an accident.

Accidents That Can Occur Due to Winter Weather

Poor driving in bad winter weather conditions can result in serious car accidents. In addition to paying attention to your surroundings, you also need to know the common causes of accidents this time of year so that you can remain as cautious as possible.

Driving too fast is one of the leading causes of accidents in bad weather. Without realizing it, you can very quickly hit black ice or pockets of water that can cause your car to hydroplane. You will have no control over where your vehicle goes while you are hydroplaning, so it is best to pay attention to ensure you avoid areas that hold that risk.

Inattention of other drivers on the road can also quickly result in an accident. If you are not being proactive on the road during bad winter weather, someone in front probably is. When you are not paying attention to how others are driving, you could find yourself in a collision.
For instance, if the driver in front of you suddenly hits the brakes due to a dangerous place on the road, you can end up rear-ending that driver because you were not looking at what was going on around you. The other driver was being cautious and paying attention to the roadway, which leaves you as the negligent party in this example.

The Role Negligence Plays in a Winter Car Crash

Accidents can happen in poor winter weather conditions, no matter how carefully you drive. If you are the victim in a crash, the first thing to do is discover who is at fault. Negligence on the part of the other driver is key to getting your damages paid.

You will need to provide proof that the other party was negligent in the accident to get some or all of your damages covered by insurance. You will need to show that the other driver did not take care to act reasonably within the scope of the weather conditions to properly and safely operate a vehicle and therefore was the primary cause of the accident.

To prove negligence, you can provide your own account of the accident, but you should also rely on witness statements, physical proof, and the report provided by the responding law enforcement. You may even want to hire an accident reconstructionist to recreate the scene based on the report if the other driver contests his or her negligence.

If you need assistance with an accident claim, please visit Daryl J. Walker Law Firm for more information.
By Admin 21 Sep, 2017
A DUI arrest may seem like an impossible thing to overcome, but there are reasons to have some hope. Not every traffic stop, test or charge is unbeatable. In many instances, the charges are dropped because of common mistakes that law enforcement officers make. Here is just a small sample of the many ways lawyers help their clients to beat unfair DUI charges and avoid the complications they cause.
By Admin 20 Jul, 2017
Being accused of committing a crime is a stressful time in anyone's life, but given the long-lasting public crusades in opposition to driving under the influence, those accusations can represent a particularly sensitive challenge. Mistakes happen from both a decision-making standpoint as well as an investigatory standpoint, and it's important that you don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the process.

Protecting your own interests is a vital part of recovering from being charged with DUI. Unfortunately, many people may not even know where to begin to get their bearings and defend themselves, and as a result, you may miss an opportunity to take important steps for your own protection.

Below, you'll find a guide to some things you should be sure to do in the aftermath of a DUI charge. Keeping these suggestions in mind can help you to maintain your current standard of living while you're going through the process and can allow you to find the best possible outcome from a difficult legal situation.
By Admin 31 May, 2017
A criminal defense lawyer specializes in representing people who have been accused of criminal activity. Basically, these lawyers defend anyone who has broken a law. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, a criminal defense lawyer can help you before, during and after your court appearance.
By Admin 16 Mar, 2017
This isn’t where to learn how to embezzle in the state of Georgia or any other jurisdiction for that matter. Rather, this is meant to help you avoid the crime altogether. Here are some key facts about Georgia that anyone involved there should know.
By Admin 16 Jan, 2017
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal charge that can damage your life. Heavy financial consequences and even jail time are possible punishments. Even heavier penalties are leveled on repeat offenders.

For people who have alcohol or drug problems, a DUI charge can often prompt them to seek treatment. Seeking treatment for drug and alcohol issues can be a turning point in your life and help bolster your legal defense. Here is how a treatment program can strengthen your DUI defense.
By Admin 16 Nov, 2016
Anyone charged with a crime has the option to post bail in order to be released from jail until the trial occurs. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to post bail , this information will make things a little easier to understand.
By Admin 21 Sep, 2016
The first step to take after being involved in a car accident is to keep calm. The next five things you should do are listed below.
By Admin 19 Jul, 2016
Everyone makes mistakes, but none impact your permanent record quite like a DUI  accusation. Whether the fingers pointing in your direction are correct or not, there are several steps you need to take after one of these accusations is founded in order to protect yourself legally. If you’ve recently been the recipient of one of these allegations, consider completing the following process:

  • First, write down any information that could possibly be pertinent to the complaint. This should include when and where you were stopped, who stopped you, if anyone was in the car with you and other details.
  • Next, take care of any social media sites you have. Mark them as private in order to prevent law enforcement from gathering pictures and other information to use against you in court.
  • Locate witnesses who saw what went on that night and who are willing and able to attest to your sobriety in the situation. Establishing your alibi is always crucial.
  • Hire the right lawyer, who’s going to look out for your best interests throughout the process. Finding someone who knows what they’re doing can make a huge difference when it’s time to decide the verdict.

Don’t let worry about these accusations take over your life. Instead, follow these steps and prepare yourself for the legal process to come. To learn more about what a DUI lawyer  can do for you, call Daryl J. Walker Law Firm in Savannah at 912-232-0232.


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