You never want to be involved in a car accident, even a minor fender bender. Sorting out blame can be time-consuming and frustrating, even when your property damage is limited to a tiny scratch. While minor vehicle accidents are annoying, injuries and other damages tend to be minimal.
The same can’t be said for a head-on collision since this type of vehicle accident is almost always severe, and it can also make it more difficult to determine the value of a head-on collision claim. When injuries and property damage are extensive, figuring out your claim’s value isn’t always easy.
What is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision is usually considered a severe or even catastrophic car accident, and this type of accident occurs when two vehicles hit each other head-on. This means the force of the impact is centered at the vehicle’s front. Even with improved vehicle safety which includes airbags, injuries are usually still severe.
Property damage is also often substantial, and your vehicle may even be damaged beyond repair. So, what makes head-on collisions so catastrophic? The simple answer is speed. Most head-on car accidents happen at relatively high rates of speed. The force of the impact is usually greater compared to some other types of vehicle collisions like fender benders and sideswipes.
Determining the Value of a Head-On Collision Claim
You know that damages tend to be more severe after a head-on car accident, but this doesn’t necessarily let you know the approximate value of your claim. A few factors go into determining the claim’s value. Chances are, you have both economic and non-economic losses.
So, how do you go about determining your personal injury claim’s value? Some damages are easier to calculate their value than others. We’ll take a look at your possible losses and how each one can affect your compensation amount.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages are things like your medical expenses, property damage costs, and lost income, which can really add up in the event of an accident.
Medical Costs
Since head-on collisions are often severe accidents, your injuries can be serious or even life-altering. The severity of your injuries will play a large role in your claim’s value. Your medical costs can include everything from your ambulatory ride to the emergency room or your care. If your injuries require an extended hospital stay or rehabilitation therapy, this can increase your claim’s value.
Some injuries like scars can impact you for the rest of your life. Along with disfigurement, amputations can also require ongoing care.
If your injuries are life-altering, this may even mean you require at-home care. Your home may also need remodeling to accommodate a lack of mobility. All of this can increase your claim’s value, however, you also need to provide proof of your injuries.
Save all of your medical reports relating to the accident, which will help provide proof of your injuries. You also want to save all medical bills and receipts, along with any prescriptions. If you require ongoing or long-term medical care, you may need to bring in a healthcare expert. They can testify that the care is essential and report on the expected cost.
Property Damage
A head-on collision usually means extensive property damage. The entire front end of your vehicle may be crumpled, sometimes beyond repair. Your claim can include towing fees and vehicle storage costs. Yes, lots charge daily rates to store a vehicle even if it’s undrivable. You can even claim the costs of removing your vehicle from the original tow lot.
Before you can claim your vehicle as a total loss, you’re going to need repair estimates, and this is when it pays to check your vehicle’s Kelley Blue Book value. Yes, the listed value of your vehicle is going to be noticeably different than what you place on it.
Don’t forget, a vehicle starts depreciating the moment it leaves the dealer lot, which can affect the overall value of your claim. Meaning, that you may not receive enough compensation to recover all vehicle replacement costs. Unfortunately, there’s little you can do about this extra cost. Insurance companies typically only pay the Blue Book value for a vehicle regardless of its age, condition, or mileage.
To help ensure you receive the maximum value of your claim, save all repair bills and estimates. If your vehicle is totaled, look for the Blue Book value before the accident.
Lost Income
Head-on collisions often cause severe injuries and this can prevent you from returning to work. If this applies to your accident, you may be able to claim lost income. This is the income you lost due to the accident. Your claim’s value may also increase if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same position or are severe enough you’re unable to work.
Obviously, your claim’s value will increase if you’re unable to return to work or your injuries force you to take a lower-paying position. You will need to provide proof of income to claim lost wages in a personal injury claim. This is usually done by providing the insurance company with past pay stubs and even a notice from your employer. Your medical records can also help support a lost income claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Your non-economic damages are a little harder to calculate. These losses are intangible, meaning they don’t come with convenient price tags or bills. If you’re wondering what are non-economic damages?
These are losses like your pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of life enjoyment. These are only a few examples, your list of non-economic damages can be more extensive depending on the severity of your head-on collision.
Since you can’t rely on bills and receipts, you need to turn to other methods to calculate these damages, which is also when your personal injury attorney can help.
Maximize the Value of Your Head-On Accident
Head-on collisions are often catastrophic, leading to severe injuries and significant property damage. Determining the value of your accident claim can be challenging, as many factors come into play.
However, you can take steps to help ensure you receive the maximum value of your claim by working with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can guide you through the complexities of the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
