After a car accident, insurance companies often push for quick settlements. They'll cut you a check for your car repairs and act like that solves everything. It doesn't. A proper settlement addresses every way the collision affected your life, not just the dent in your bumper.

Our friends at Woron and Dhillon, LLC discuss how understanding the full scope of recoverable damages makes the difference between accepting pennies and receiving fair compensation. If you're working with a car accident lawyer, they'll help identify damages you might not realize you can claim.

Medical Expenses Go Beyond The Emergency Room

Your settlement should cover all medical costs related to the accident. That includes the ambulance ride, emergency room treatment, surgery, prescription medications, and follow-up appointments, but many people forget about future medical care. If your doctor says you'll need physical therapy for six months or additional procedures down the line, those costs belong in your settlement. Don't let an insurance adjuster convince you to accept a number that only covers what you've already paid. Project forward and account for ongoing treatment.

Lost Wages And Diminished Earning Capacity

Missing work costs you money. Your settlement should compensate you for every hour of lost income while you recovered. Bring pay stubs, tax returns, and documentation from your employer showing exactly how much time you missed. Some injuries affect your ability to earn money long-term. If the accident left you with permanent limitations that prevent you from doing your job the same way, you can recover damages for diminished earning capacity. A construction worker who can no longer lift heavy materials or a nurse who can't stand for full shifts has lost something valuable. That loss has a dollar amount.

Property Damage Includes More Than Your Vehicle

Yes, your settlement should cover car repairs or the vehicle's fair market value if it was totaled. But what about everything else that was damaged? Personal items in your car, your phone, your laptop, and your child's car seat that needed replacing after a collision. Document everything and include it in your claim. You might also be entitled to rental car costs while your vehicle was being repaired or replaced. Keep those receipts.

Pain And Suffering Represents Real Harm

Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are legitimate damages. These non-economic losses don't come with a receipt, which makes insurance companies try to minimize them. They shouldn't be ignored. Consider how the injury affected your daily life:

  • Can you still play with your kids without pain?
  • Did you have to give up hobbies or activities you enjoyed?
  • Are you dealing with anxiety about driving now?
  • Did the injury cause depression or sleep problems?

These impacts matter. They deserve compensation.

Out-of-Pocket Costs Add Up Quickly

Track every expense related to the accident. Over-the-counter medications, medical equipment like crutches or a back brace, modifications to your home if you have mobility issues, and even mileage to and from medical appointments. These costs are recoverable, but only if you document them.

Don't Accept The First Offer

Insurance adjusters know most people don't understand what a settlement should cover. They count on you accepting less than you deserve because you need money now. The first offer almost always lowballs your actual damages. Take time to calculate everything. Add up your medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Consider your future needs. Think about how the injury changed your life. Only then can you evaluate whether an offer is fair. If you've been injured in a collision and aren't sure what your claim is worth, speaking with an attorney can clarify what damages apply to your situation. Understanding the full value of your case puts you in a stronger position to negotiate a settlement that actually covers what you've lost.