Calculating Damages in Durham

Seeking Maximum Recovery for You & Your Family

When preparing a demand package for compensation for the insurance company, it is important to consider any damages you have incurred as a result of the accident. At Wallace Pierce Law, our Durham attorneys can help you consider the issues of how exactly the accident has affected you and your family. To begin calculating your damages, you should start with assessing the types of losses you have incurred as a result of the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, diminished earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses, mileage, and future medical expenses.

Whether you need services in English or Spanish, our team can assist you with your personal injury case when you call (919) 887-7892, or contact us online.

Types of Damages to Seek Compensation for

Medical Treatment

One of the most common types of car accident-related damages is those that arise from seeking medical care and treatment. Expenses arising from seeking medical care and treatment are often referred to as “medical expenses.” Medical expenses, while the most common, are often the most difficult to prove in a motor vehicle accident claim. Your injuries may be as minor as some stiffness in your neck, or as significant as a total permanent disability. Regardless of how minor your injuries are, it is essential that you seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible. Moreover, it is important to remember that the insurance company may challenge the reasonableness and necessity of your claimed medical expenses.

Medical expenses arising from a car accident may include the following:

• EMS/ambulance charges
• Emergency room care
• Diagnostic testing (X-rays / CT / MRI)
• Primary care
• Physical therapy or chiropractic care
• Cognitive therapy
• Neurological treatment
• Required medical equipment

Another important aspect to be mindful of is that you should always follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding your medical care and treatment.

Lost Wages

Lost wages after a car accident are common for accident victims after being placed out of work. Should you decided to make a claim for lost wages as part of your personal injury claim, you may be able to seek compensation for the wages lost due to being out of work for your injuries, the time you’ve had to spend going to doctor appointments, or for the period of time that you were unable to perform duties required for employment. An important note is that lost wage claims can be difficult to calculate and prove when a person is (1) self-employed, (2) an independent contractor, (3) paid commission, or (4) using vacation time for paid time off work.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Out-of-pocket expenses are considered as a miscellaneous category for all other costs incurred as a result of your automobile accident.

Out-of-pocket expenses may include:

• Prescription medication
• Medical equipment
• Parking costs
• Other expenses you would not have incurred but for the accident and your resulting injury

For a successful claim, remember to keep each and every receipt for all purchases made related to your personal injury claim.

If you suffered injuries in an accident that resulted in several doctor’s appointments, you are spending money on gas that you would not have otherwise been spending. If you want to seek reimbursement for these costs incurred, it is important to appropriately document your travel-related expenses for your medical treatment.